Best Practices for Online Schooling From Home

Indian society values education above everything else, so it's natural that schools and parents embraced online schooling the moment the Pandemic struck. Every school, parent and student are dealing with the unique challenges that come with learning via screens, systems and devices. It’s a good idea to prepare yourself with the basic requirements of online schooling.

Choosing a Device

Children should not use Mobile phone screens for online learning.

• The small screen size can cause eye irritation and short sightedness.
• Screens need to be at a distance of at least 18 inches from the eye to reduce eye strain and that is impossible with a small screen.
• A Desktop, Laptop, Chrome book, iPad or other android tablets with a minimum screen size of at least 10 inches or more would be the best for online learning. 
• Retina displays and similar technologies are designed to be eye friendly.
• Even a used desktop with a 21 inches monitor (which are common these days)  will be better than using a mobile phone. 
• If you are buying a new system or device make sure it has adequate processing power (Intel i3 or Ryzen 3), memory (4GB and above) and SSD storage of atleast 128 GB. 
• Ensure that the technology will be adequate for your child’s schooling requirements for at least 5 years into the future.  
• In case only a mobile device is available, then learn how to ScreenCast on to a TV or a larger monitor

Ergonomics comes First

Physical comfort and good ergonomics is very important with children. 

• A well ventilated, well lit, quiet area will add to the ease of learning. 
• Ensure both feet touch the floor and they have a well supported backrest while sitting on the chair. 
• The screen / monitor should be at eye level for comfortable viewing. 
• Teach them the 20-20-20 Rule to look away from the screen every 20 mins for 20 seconds at something 20 feet away.
• Keep brightness at optimum levels to prevent eye strain.
• Choose speakers over headphones for younger children. When using headphones, keep the volume low to prevent hearing damage.
• If assignments are given online, then it is preferable to print them out and do them using pen and paper to reduce screen time.

Time Limits

Screen time needs to be set for children of all ages.

• WHO recommends only 1 hour of screen time for children 5 years and below, less is always better. 
• Older children can be allowed a maximum of 3 hours screen time with at least a 2 hour break for each hour of online engagement. 
• Time spent on screen should be with high quality, approved content. 

Safety and Monitoring

Better safe than sorry is always the guiding principle for giving online access to children.

• Keep devices in common areas where you can see them.
• Use Parental controls, App locks, Content filters, Family Filter and Screen time setting. 
• Always keep the browsers signed into your account and content restrictions on. Don’t allow access to private or incognito modes.
• Familiarise yourself with websites and content they are accessing online.
• Teach your child to report any uncomfortable behavior or inappropriate content to you. 
• Learn the basics of dealing with these issues by reading up on how to keep your child safe online. 

These are just a few basics to be mindful of, while learning online. Do remember that children learn better when they have fun doing it. Happy learning!