3 Tools to Improve Online Classes For Your Child
The COVID-19 pandemic has introduced a new form of learning to students all over the world - online classes. While online classes have been with us since the start of the pandemic two years ago, many parents still may not know what the essential tools for online classes are. With the correct tools, building a conducive and effective learning environment for your child can be as easy as ABC!
A Must-Have Tool for Online Classes - A Reliable Internet Connection
Let’s get down to the basics - an Internet connection. Without it, the word “online” in “online classes” won’t even exist!
Credit: Brett Jordan on Unsplash
Wi-Fi vs Mobile Data
There are two tools one can use to get connected - through a wireless connection setup (also known as Wi-Fi) or by using mobile data. Although using mobile data may do the very basic job of getting one connected, maintaining a stable connection using mobile data would not be as good as a Wi-Fi setup at home. This is especially important to make sure your child doesn’t find their teachers stuck and frozen on the screen in the midst of their online classes!
Internet Service Providers in Malaysia
Now in Malaysia, there are a variety of Internet service providers (ISP) that offer decent Internet speed and bandwidth at affordable prices. For example, you can get 30Mbps Internet with Celcom and UNIFI for lower than RM90 per month. Generally, an Internet speed of 30Mbps can guarantee you a smooth, uninterrupted connection, as 10Mbps Internet speed per person is decent enough for streaming lesson videos, podcasts, and attending virtual classrooms.
However, do take note that you may need a higher Internet speed if there are more people and devices in the same house, as the speed would be “shared” among everyone. Certain apps and programs such as video calling and streaming programs can hog your Internet bandwidth and slow your Internet down - so remember not to have them all open on your child’s device at the same time!
Getting the Right Hardware Tools For Your Child’s Online Classes
Credit: SCREEN POST on Unsplash
The next thing you need is the actual device for your child to attend online classes with. The most basic tool your child needs is a tool that few people can live without nowadays - a mobile phone! A decent and affordable smartphone can do wonders, as your child can log in to an online class and open homework files on their phones directly.
When in Doubt, Go Laptop
It’s worth noting that a proper laptop or computer setup would be a worthwhile investment for your child in the long run, given that online classes may be here to stay (at least periodically). For starters, a laptop or computer has a bigger screen to show learning materials more clearly. Using tools such as a keyboard, webcam, mic and speakers will also allow your child to participate in classes and complete their assignments more effectively. Most, if not all, laptops have all the necessary tools built-in, so you don’t have to worry about purchasing these items separately.
Ergonomics in a Child’s Study Environment
IT devices aside, it is also very important to have a physically safe and comfortable learning environment. No one wants to end up with tired shoulders and a sore neck at the end of the day! That is why it is also worth looking into ergonomic tools such as a proper office chair, adjustable desk and sufficiently bright lamps to enhance your child’s online class experience, which could go on for hours in a day.
Install These Software Tools For Online Classes For Efficient Learning
Credit: Ed Hardie on Unsplash
Microsoft Office & Video Conferencing Tools
While hardware concerns devices and equipment used in online classes, software includes tools, applications and programs that are run by a computer. One of the most essential software tools to have for online classes is Microsoft Office, which comes with very practical and easy-to-use programs such as Word, Excel and Powerpoint. All these programs can be used to facilitate assignment-related tasks such as essay-writing and making slide presentations.
Besides Microsoft Office, it’s also necessary to have the video conferencing tools used by your child’s teacher/school installed. These tools include options like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Google Meet and so on.
Online Cloud Storage
With more people migrating to a paperless system, having online cloud storage is also very useful. Examples of such storage services include Google Drive, Dropbox and OneDrive, which allow you to access and work on files on all your devices anytime you want. You no longer have to worry about clogging up your phone/computer’s storage space anymore! What’s more, by signing up for an account, most of these storage services are free of charge, up to a certain storage limit.
Productivity/Focus Applications
Another helpful tool to have for your child are focus applications to help them focus better and be more productive. These include web extensions which block or limit access to certain websites, which can be useful to ensure your child does not sneakily play games when it’s time to do homework! Examples of these tools include Focus, which is a free Google Chrome browser extension that allows parents to temporarily block certain distracting websites (eg. Facebook, Twitter, YouTube), and Freedom, which works by blocking both websites and apps, and also comes with a function to select certain ambient sounds to help your child focus as they study.