A Guide for Parents to Create a Successful Virtual Learning Environment
The Hall County School District Virtual Program of Choice is a fully-virtual instructional program for students for the 2021-22 school year. The instructional delivery model will include both synchronous and asynchronous classes, which means students will need to attend some regularly scheduled live online class sessions. Teachers will be providing direct instruction, facilitating learning activities, assessing students, monitoring progress, and providing support. The content will be standards-based and facilitated by certified HCSD teachers. While it is impossible to fully replicate the in-person classroom experience, our goal is to provide a high quality, challenging learning environment in a caring community where students experience connection and success.
Thank you for all of the support you will provide your child in the virtual setting.
Tips for a successful learning environment
Create a dedicated learning space
The learning space should be:
- Quiet and away from distractions
- Easily-monitored by parents
- Have all items readily available for instruction (device, paper, printer, headphones/speaker, etc.)
- Have access to reliable Internet
Organization and planning
- Discuss location(s) and organize all learning materials
- Establish expectations for maintaining the space
- Allow for breaks and mobility throughout the day. This may include multiple learning spaces.
- The desk/work space and chair should be the appropriate size for your student. The monitor/device should be about an arm’s length away with the top third of the screen at eye level.
- Parents should create a Canvas observer account. This will allow you to monitor assignments, etc. The following link provides general information about notifications and the Parent Observer role in Canvas:
Setting Notifications as Observer
Expectations
Establish a daily schedule. While virtual learning offers flexibility, it is important to build structures in order for students to effectively manage time and stay on track.
Students:
- Schedule the day
- Get and stay organized
- Plan a schedule of what needs to be completed daily in order to stay on track
- Check courses daily
- Check for teacher messages and assignment feedback daily.
- Ask questions. Just as in a “brick and mortar” setting, students are responsible for getting answers to questions. Teachers are available to answer questions and provide additional support.
- Build in breaks to move around
Parents:
- Talk to your child about the daily plans
- Check in throughout the day to monitor progress and provide support. Communicate with your child’s teacher(s) if you have questions or concerns
Thank you for all of the support you will provide your child in the virtual setting. While your child will be learning remotely, please be reminded that virtual students are still a vital part of their home school so please be sure to reach out to the school if you have any questions or concerns.