Virtual Learning

As virtual learning rolls on, it is becoming more evident how much parents rely on schools being open. It seems with each new day, more parents want their children back in the classroom. I read a news story out of Los Angeles where parents took to the streets in downtown LA for a morning caravan, demanding schools be reopened immediately so their children “could get an education.”

Participants in the caravan bemoaned after a year of virtual classes, their kids weren’t learning anything. A 4th grade participant shared his concern that kids are getting depressed learning online. A 3rd grader added spending so much time on the computer makes his “eyes and his brain hurt.” I feel for the students and parents who are struggling with virtual classes and the overall uncertainty that accompanied COVID19. Virtual learning is not for everyone. For that to be the only learning opportunity for so many students is tough.

However, I caution parents who leave the education of their children strictly to schools. The same degree of support parents need to provide in virtual learning environments must be provided when students return to campuses full-time. The support may look different, but the degree of support should remain equally robust.

I have heard parents say they can “only do so much” with their kids’ virtual learning because of work or other demands. I’ve heard the statement, “It’s the school’s or teacher’s job to make sure he/she’s learning.” I’ve also heard, “I’ve got this many kids,” “I’m a single parent,” or “My kid has special needs.” All of these variables can make supporting our kids’ learning more challenging, but despite the difficulty, the stakes are too high to not take full responsibility for our children’s learning.

Long after the schools are out of the picture, parents will still be there. The question becomes, what will we see when our kids are young adults? If our kids are struggling in life, it won’t matter whose job it was to teach our kids. We will inevitably pick up the pieces of their broken lives produced by well-intentioned, but failed education systems. Rather than planning for their failure, let’s take the necessary steps to direct our kids’ futures.

Wherever and however our children attend school, we must make their achievement our top priority. Let teachers know if you have a busy schedule. Ask for deadline extensions that allow evening or weekend submissions of assignments. Ask teachers to mail paper copies of work, lesson plans or reading materials so you can work with your child as your schedule permits. Supplement your child’s learning with art or internet activities, then share them with teachers. Teachers will likely appreciate your efforts and try to meet your scheduling and other needs.

When it comes to our kids’ learning, we can never just “sit and get”. We must act with purpose to support our children and their teachers’ efforts to teach them. Wherever and however they are learning, we, the parents, are ultimately responsible for our kids’ education.

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