Getting Your Child’s Workspace Ready for Distance Learning
Many schools in the area are already back to school, and the remainder will start next week. Though “going back to school” looks much different this year, there are still ways to make the best of the distance learning experience. It is important for your child to have a space of their own to attend Zoom classes and complete classwork and homework assignments.
Below are some tips for optimizing the distance learning experience.
Listen to Your Child’s Input
Coming up with an ideal workspace for your child should be something you do together. The goal is a functional space that suits their individual needs.
Get Comfortable
The distance learning workspace ideally will be an environment where your child feels comfortable and is able to focus. There should be very limited distractions – no television blaring, access to phones should be limited, and sibling workspaces should be as separated as possible. If you have multiple children distance learning and only have a small space to work with, creating physical barriers between their workspaces with cardboard or hanging sheets may be a way to help to limit distractions – work forts!
If your child is working in a common area, such as at the dining room table, delineating the workspace with electrical tape will help give them a sense of ownership over the area, allowing them the freedom within the designated area to place whatever objects they need to focus and feel comfortable.
Get Geared Up
Most laptops have a built-in camera, but if your computer does not have one, you will need to purchase a separate USB webcam so your child can be seen in Zoom class meetings. A tablet is also an option. While, in a pinch, a smartphone can be used to attend video class, the screen is too small, and it is not recommended. Whatever option you use, be sure to stabilize the camera or device, so your child does not have to hold it.
Check Your Connection
If your child(ren) are accessing the wifi at the same time you are working from home, the wireless connection may get finicky. If your child is using a desktop or laptop, plug in an ethernet cable for a more reliable connection. Test your home connections in advance to see if you need to upgrade your internet service.
Bright Ideas
Place a light source behind the camera so that your child’s face is illuminated while in a video chat. Do not have your child sit in front of a window, or they will appear as a dark silhouette on camera. If your child is especially concerned with their camera appearance, you may want to invest in a dedicated video clip light that can be adjusted to ensure they can put their best face forward.
Audio Considerations
To keep the rest of the citizens of the household from hearing the shrieks of every other classmate on the Zoom call, spring for a good set of headphones. There are many options available that cancel outside noise and have the capability of limiting volume to safe levels.
Clean Your Room!
Other considerations include helping your child find an appropriate zoom background and making sure nothing embarrassing or distracting, like a hamper full of dirty clothes, gets into the video.
For some comic relief, here is a YouTube video from CBS Sunday Morning. Comedian Jim Gaffigan describes his thoughts on distance learning.
Fair Oaks Personal Injury Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a personal injury lawyer in Fair Oaks, California. For nearly four decades, I have been working on behalf of injured Fair Oaks residents, helping them obtain financial recovery for accidents caused by negligent drivers. If you or a family member were injured under such circumstances, reach out to us for free and friendly advice with no obligation. Our local number is (916) 921-6400, and if you are calling from outside the area, we provide a toll-free number: (800) 404-5400. Or, fill out our online contact form.
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photo: https://pixabay.com/photos/children-studying-togetherness-boys-286239/
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