The Difficult Task Of Keeping Kids Motivated In An Online Setting
Maintaining kids’ motivation in eLearning isn’t a walk in the park. Staring at a screen for multiple hours during the day can be exhausting and boring. So, how do you add some energy to this virtual classroom? First, you have to pinpoint what’s causing this lack of motivation. The main problem everyone faces when learning online is distractions. Without the traditional classroom structure, it’s all too easy for kids to let their minds drift away and start scrolling through their phones or decide to use their laptops for gaming instead of learning. However, a dedicated learning space that’s free from distractions can work wonders.
But it’s not only the distractions that can cause motivation in eLearning to plummet; it’s also the isolation that comes with online learning. Kids may miss the social interactions of the classroom, so it’s wise to offer them social opportunities. Teachers can organize virtual study groups where kids can collaborate on projects and encourage them to chat with classmates, exchange ideas, and even share their thoughts about the learning process itself. Below, we’ll explore what you can do as a parent to encourage your kid to participate more in the online classroom and how you can make them more invested in their online learning journey.
How To Encourage Your Child’s Motivation In eLearning
Positive Learning Environment
Distractions are the number one cause of motivation loss in eLearning. Thankfully, it can be easily fixed if you create a learning space where young ones will actually enjoy spending time. A space that feels calm and organized will help them focus instead of getting distracted by their phones, game consoles, TV, or the dog roaming around. The trick here is to let them personalize their little corner. Let your child add their favorite artwork, posters of characters they love, or a few motivational quotes. Comfortable furniture and no clutter are also important, so aim to create something that will make them feel good.
Flexibility
Offering flexible options to kids when learning online will capture their interest, as it’s certain that they’ll find an approach that resonates with their needs and interests. Kids get bored fast, so find platforms that mix up different lesson formats, such as videos, interactive activities, reading, podcasts, and many more. A blend of formats will keep things fresh and help them feel like they’re actively participating. Flexibility is also about schedule. Not everyone is productive during the mornings, so give them control over their study times. Let them leverage their focus times and see the difference in their motivation levels.
Tech Tools
Boosting kids’ motivation in eLearning becomes much easier once you realize the power of technology. For a start, let’s talk about gamification. Many educational apps take advantage of game-like features, like rewards, points, badges, and challenges, to turn learning into a fun experience. Choose one for each subject and see how your kid will feel motivated to try their best to compete against their classmates. Plus, gamification boosts their confidence because there’s nothing more satisfying than seeing your name on top of the leaderboard.
Regular Breaks
Regular, timed breaks actually help kids stay focused instead of zoning out during their lessons. You can try using time management techniques, where you get your kid to focus for 25 minutes, then reward them with a 5-minute break. During these breaks, even if they’re longer, you can try to get them moving. Sitting in a chair or the couch for hours isn’t good for their bodies. A little physical activity like stretches or even a little dancing can help them relax both physically and mentally. Don’t forget about snack time, too. It’s a way for them to gain energy, which is much needed for them to be productive.
Positive Reinforcement
Positive reinforcement is encouraging your child to behave a certain way, like focusing on their studies and then rewarding them each time they do. Create a system where they can earn points or privileges for completing tasks. Maybe they earn 10 points for finishing all their math homework or for completing 2 courses. When they gain 100 points, reward them with extra screen time, a favorite snack, or a movie night. Most importantly, you should celebrate their achievements. Whether they aced a test or sat through a lesson uninterrupted, they deserve praise.
Involvement In Decision Making
Kids love it when you involve them in decision making, especially when it’s about them. As far as their online learning journey is concerned, give them the freedom to explore topics they’re naturally interested in. Some may be into fashion, dinosaurs, or outer space. While these topics aren’t necessarily part of a traditional curriculum, it’s what they enjoy learning and can be combined with other subjects as well. Similarly, let them choose their study methods. Some kids like watching online videos, while others learn best through interactive games or even books. Find what their cup of tea is, and see how their motivation for eLearning will skyrocket.
Real-Life Application
You need to find relevance between what kids are learning online and real life. Show them how what they’re learning actually matters. For instance, if they’re studying science, talk about which physics principles they can spot in their favorite space movie or toy. Once they can see how something works in the real world, they’re more likely to care. To take it a step further, encourage practical application. When they’re learning about the environment, take them on a field trip, or if they’re studying history, find a museum that’s relevant to the historical period they’re exploring. All these can be virtual, too. Wouldn’t it be great if they could join an online tour of the Louvre while learning about art?
How To Help Shy Or Introverted Kids Participate In eLearning
Helping shy or introverted kids thrive in virtual learning can be tricky, but it doesn’t have to. First off, don’t pressure them to speak up. Telling a shy kid to participate more without giving them tools or inspiring comfort makes them feel unsupported and discouraged. What you can do is help them join smaller, safe spaces like breakout rooms before Zoom classes or work in pairs or small groups with their peers.
Next, leverage their strengths. Shy or introverted kids often do better when they have time to think and process. Give them opportunities to share their thoughts in writing, such as a chat room or a shared document. However, cameras can hinder this. If your kid wants their camera off so they can be more comfortable and have more time to think, let them. As long as they’re still engaging in some way, respect their comfort level.
Conclusion
As parents, it’s important to remember that sometimes kids’ motivation in eLearning is simply nonexistent. Instead of putting pressure on them, it’s more helpful to offer support and guidance. Pressuring kids when they’re already struggling can make them feel overwhelmed or discouraged. Instead, try to create a positive, understanding environment where they feel safe to express their frustrations. Ask them what’s working and what isn’t, and adjust together. By being patient and supportive, you help build their confidence, which is key when you aim for success. Every child learns differently, and sometimes they just need a little extra time, understanding, and encouragement.
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