Virtual Learning

Everyone is getting ready for “back to school” time whether it is a virtual or face to face one.  In my area of Killeen, Texas, school started back in August 17th virtually. On August 31, we will have a choice to either stay online or allow our kids to go back to “the face to face” education. It is one tough decision to make, as we all want our kids to be safe and properly educated at the same time. Parents have some of their personal issues and concerns as well, so, I believe that everyone should do what is best for them in their situation and stop worrying about others judgmental opinions.

A working mom with little kids (that are too young to stay at home) may want them to stay virtual, however, she may also need to go to work. In this scenario, she must allow her children to go back to school on campus. Then, we also have children that don’t have cellular devices and gadgets for virtual learning or don’t have access to internet so again their parent may have no choice but to send them to the school. In any case, sadly, several people will be trying to judge you for the decision you make for your children.  To be honest, there isn’t any right or wrong answer.

My youngest daughter has asthma so I decided to keep her at home for the first six weeks at least. Setting up for virtual learning wasn’t that difficult for my family. My children already have a spot in the house that is set up like an office and study space, just for all of us to use. Since virtual learning will be starting and they will need to use the room more often, therefore, I allowed them to make the area their own. For this purpose, we shopped at Walmart to get items for decorating the space and bought the basic supplies that they will need for successful virtual learning.

I find it easier for my children to log in during regular school hours so that they can get any help they need or get their questions answered the same day. However, if you’re not able to be at home with your little ones in Killeen, then, we also have number of places to assist with watching the child and making sure they are online during the day. Once you get home with them in the evening, all you have to do is check the homework just like you would if they were in regular school.

My girls get up and dress up just like they used to for regular school. Breakfast menu is laid out for them and once it is finished, then, it’s time to log everyone in for the morning meeting with their teachers. With the alarms in place, they know when to log in for zoom meetings and then, in between those times they work on their class assignments. During the break, they eat the lunch that is again on the menu for them or one of the choices listed and then it’s again back to “learn & work mode”. Few hours later and then school is out just like any normal school day. Whenever any issues arise with school, we get an email letting us know and the students are not penalized during the down time and luckily it’s not down for long.

We have posted the schedule for zoom meetings on the memo board in the study office area, so the kids know what time they need to log in. In addition to this, we have also set up alarms with Alexa which go off each time to alert them about class time. On the memo board, they also have listed emails of teachers along with other important information that they need for classes for ease. They also have a menu posted about breakfast, lunch and snack just like in the school building everyday and I often use the term “use your school stomachs” to remind them.

I know it’s hard for many parents both financially and personally to adjust with this new online life and virtual learning, however, the sooner you analyze your situation, take decision and make arrangements, the better it will be for both you and your child’s education. Moreover, virtual schooling sounds daunting at first but once you do the set up, things fall into the right place and it becomes much easier with every passing day. BUT…remember this that you have the choice to pick any option based on your living set up so don’t let other judgmental comments affect your decision.