While half of the parents at Mary E. Bryant Elementary in Hillsborough have opted for online learning this semester, they face the challenge of balancing work, child care, and ensuring their children's education.
“E-learning is not so conventional but allows parents to choose what’s best for them,” said Ellen Oberschall, Principal of Hillsborough County Public School’s Mary E. Bryant Elementary. Some parents said they were relieved to have the choice.
“My main purpose for choosing e-learning was for the safety of my daughter,” said Kimberly LeGree-Hymes, mother of 3rd grader, Jasmine. “Until I see true preparations for the safety of our students and teacher- other than a gallon of hand sanitizer- we are staying home!”
The e-learning option may work for middle school and high school students, but younger elementary students have another set of challenges, according to Ipsos reasearch.
Elementary students require more supervision, assistance with operating technological equipment, and focusing.
Emily Deininger is a middle school teacher, who works from home, while her 5th-grade son opted for e-learning this semester.
“Making a schedule for both of us has been key,” said Deininger. “We each have our own workspace with few distractions, too.”
Other parents are using similar tactics to establish a regular routine because health experts say this is key to keeping a developing mind healthy despite the increased screen time.
“My daughter and I share the same office; however, her sessions begin at 7:40 and my sessions begin at 9:35,” said LeGree-Hymes. “The staggering schedules definitely help and I pay attention to her alerts and reminders as she sticks to her strict schedule.”
For those without parents at home, technology can be a challenge.
“My mother in law can’t really help with any technological issues, she’s really there for supervision,” said Adam Denis, the father of a 3rd grader who stays with her grandmother. “So when my wife gets home after a long day of work she has to deal with the gap of whatever they missed.”
Parents also have to oversee the scheduling of free time, arts and crafts, or physical activity during breaks or after classes to ensure screen time is not overwhelming are highly recommended.
“My daughter actually said she wishes she could go to school,” said Dennis. “You know she misses seeing her friends, that’s part of going to school too.”
Comentarios