With the implementation of distance learning after spring break… 10 supportive paths to empower students and families

Experts, educators, and specialists have confirmed that the success of the distance learning mode is not only related to the readiness of schools and educational platforms, but rather depends to a large extent on the role of the family in creating a supportive environment, and the student’s ability to adapt to this educational mode.

They told Emirates Today that there are 10 supportive paths to empower students and their families, which include creating an appropriate educational environment, adhering to a fixed daily routine, following up without direct intervention, reducing digital distractions, interacting within the class, using time management tools, regular mental breaks, continuous communication with the school, psychological support and motivation, and ensuring technical readiness.

The ten paths
In detail, the educational expert, Amna Al-Mazmi, confirmed that the ten paths begin with providing an appropriate educational environment inside the home, characterized by calm, good lighting, and free of distractions, which helps the student to focus and interact.
She stressed the importance of adhering to a fixed daily routine, which includes regular times for sleeping and waking up, and adhering to the class schedule, as this has a direct impact on enhancing discipline and psychological stability.

She advised parents to monitor their children continuously, while avoiding direct interference in the performance of tasks, in order to enhance their self-reliance, at a time when distance learning requires a higher degree of individual responsibility. The need also arises to reduce digital distractions, by removing devices that are not related to studying, and closing applications that may affect the student’s concentration during classes.

Virtual classes
She stressed that interaction within the virtual class is a decisive factor in achieving understanding, calling on students to participate and ask questions, and not be satisfied with formal attendance, because of this role in enhancing comprehension, pointing to the importance of using simple tools to organize time, such as to-do lists, to avoid the accumulation of school assignments.

Also among important aspects, Al-Mazmi stressed the need to give students short rest periods between classes, to renew their activity and reduce fatigue resulting from long sitting in front of screens, in addition to maintaining continuous communication with the school in the event of facing any educational or technical difficulties, to ensure speedy handling of them.

Psychological support
As for the mental health advisor, Dr. Iman Fouad, he stressed that psychological support is no less important than the academic aspects, as specialists stress the need to motivate children and enhance their self-confidence, especially if they face challenges, because this has an impact on maintaining their motivation to learn.
She stressed the importance of ensuring technical readiness on a daily basis, in terms of the efficiency of devices and the quality of Internet connection, to ensure the continuity of classes without interruption.
It believes that adherence to these paths would transform the distance learning experience from a temporary challenge into a real opportunity to enhance students’ self-learning skills and discipline, with the necessity of adopting organized daily practices that ensure making the most of virtual classes, achieving discipline and time management, which will reflect positively on their academic achievement and enhance their ability to adapt to modern education patterns.