I don’t have to tell you this; you already know that we are facing one of the worst challenges in recent human history – the COVID-19 pandemic. In the face of this medical, social and even economic emergency, the entire world is undergoing a shift from its traditional methods of doing things. One such shift is of course the whole-hearted embrace of digital – not only for work and play, but also for learning! Educational institutions like primary and secondary schools all over the world are working hard to ensure that the children who depend on them for learning are not deprived of opportunities to do so – opportunities that are available if you only open your mind to them! One such opportunity is was the shift to online learning. 

I meet a lot of parents who complain that they are perfectly ok if their kids took a ‘break’ from their regular school schedule. After all, how much of a difference would it make if the little ones didn’t go to school for some time, right? I understand that one reason for their diffidence is their unwillingness to expose their kids to  what they see as ‘unnecessary exposure to more screen time’. However, I have a different viewpoint and I’ll explain why. I may get a bit philosophical so bear with me, here! ☺

I have always been told by my elders that that change is the only constant. As I have grown older (not that my kids believes in my ‘growth’, mind you. They often say that they are embarassed by my antics Go figure! ☺), I have realised that elders are absolutely right. Change is the only constant in life. In fact, when it comes right down to it, life is about change and nothing else. And adapting to this change is crucial. Adapting to this change is survival. This is one reason why parents should be more open to online learning for their kids. Another reason is that learning must be constant if it is to be effective. Youngsters will actually fall off the growth curve they’re destined for, if they’re deprived of opportunities for any length of time. This has happened to me, so believe me, I speak from experience! Finally, we cant cannot deny that in today’s digital-obsessed world, kids  are exposed to a LOT of screen time anyway. Doesn’t your little one spend hours in front of the TV or playing through mindless birdie or colour games on your Smartphone? Be honest!. So if they’re already in front of a digital screen, why not help them use this time more productively so they can actually learn something useful?!

Now, as you can probably tell from my above justification, when my kids’ school announced an online learning programme to make up for lost time due to the pandemic, I was a happy parent. Heck, I was Happy Feet 3! 

My 14 year-old, who is my oldest, had started with her online schooling way back in April. At the time, but I wasn’t particularly familiar with the online learning methods and protocols (I recently came across the term MOOC – look it up!) as she managed everything on her own. Digital native – that’s my girl! But it was only recently my youngest started his online school journey. He’s only 10 so and he needed some hand-holding, especially with the initial login to and Microsoft Teams. As I learned with him,  and I realised how much of a boon online school really is, for kids of all ages, but especially for younger kids. They not learn academics but also morning assembly and prayers, Yoga, Fitness, dance, music and art too!

So here are a few points I like about online learning:

1. They don’t have to commute to school anymore.

This one’s my favourite – online schooling saves time!. The kids don’t have to face a tiring commute and are not so drained after ‘school’ is over. And when energy levels are still up, kids remain happy and enthusiastic, not tired and grumpy. And isn’t that what all parents want? Happy, energetic kids?

2. They can learn without distractions

This is a huge advantage for teachers and ultimately even for students. In an online, real-time forum, teachers  can simply mute all the kids as she teaches. which is almost impossible in a physical class! 😉 Lol!

Of course, students complain that they miss playing pranks in class. But when it comes down to it, the lack of distractions means that the kids can actually focus on what their instructor is trying to teach them and thus imbibe more learnings into their sub-conscious. However this applies to only younger ones. The older kids figure out other ways of chatting in an online class 😉

I know for a fact that my kids’ teachers definitely are working doubly hard to make their courses more interesting and engaging for their students. Hats off to their efforts!.

3. They develop an enthusiasm for learning and more patience in life

As I moved around the house finishing my daily chores, I would occasionally look in over my son attending his online school. And what I always see is him, this little 10 year-old ball of energy, patiently sitting in that his chair for hours on end. Yes, he does look and get  bored occasionally (didn’t we all?!), but most of the time, his enthusiasm for learning shines through. I admire his patience and willingness to put in the effort to improve his learning. And I tell him so all the time!

4. They eat more healthy, nutritious food

As a parent – and as a person – I’m very fussy when it comes to outside food. The food served in my kids’ school is cooked on-premise and not ordered from a restaurant or caterer, so I know that my kids are eating healthy – for the most part. But I would still want them to eat home cooked food.

So, when their school announced their online offering, I was elated  that they will ‘go’ to school and still eat home food cooked by their devoted Mother aka ME!. Nothing is impossible.

5. It’s fun for parents too!

Well, why not?! Some schools have started to include online art, music and dance lessons for their students. My kids’ school definitely has! Well I admit that I really enjoy the dance and fitness lessons that are now part of my son’s 5th-standard curriculum. I attend  them with him, much to his embarrassment and even dismay.

How to protect your kids’ eyes (and yours!) while learning online

Advantages aside, spending too much time in front of a screen – whether it’s a tablet, laptop or Smartphone – can cause problems.

• Watery/strained/dry eyes
• Impaired vision
• Headache
• Neck/shoulder/back pain
• Poor sleep
• Weight gain

If you’re stuck in front of a screen all day, it can also affect your heart, blood pressure and irony of ironies – your cognitive (brain) function. With my kids (and even with myself), I make it a point to find a balance between ‘screen time’ and ‘real world’ time. Here’s how we do it as a family:

• We have made it a ritual to splash water in  our eyes first thing in the morning, after school is done and just before going to bed. 
• I have started eating giving more carrots, coriander and other foods rich in Vitamin A
• I have started applying cotton pads drenched in rose water and milk cotton pads on their eyes before bedtime, thrice a week.

I also encourage my kids to splash their own saliva in their eyes. The right way to do it is you to gargle with a mouthful of water and then collect that water in your combined palms instead of throwing it away. Then splash that water into the eyes. I know it sounds gross but trust me – saliva has magical properties that can improve your health and well-being.

Saliva can also be used on pimples and acne on face. As soon as you wake up just dab the acne on face with your early morning saliva and leave it until you finish all your other morning ritual. Wash it off once you go for shower.

What did you think of this post? Do your kids love online school or do they hate it? What about you? is it a boon or a bane? 

 I would love to hear your lockdown stories. Leave your comments below!