Ask the Expert: Virtual Learning with WGU North Carolina
Since March, parents across the nation (and the world) have become involuntary teachers. We’re instructing subjects we may not even understand well ourselves – and for many of us, it’s a life lesson in humble progress.
In North Carolina, where Restored is based, schools were canceled in March, and the highly anticipated last day of school is just around the corner for those enrolled in both traditional and year-round programs. With summer break on the horizon, we sat down with Catherine Truitt, chancellor of WGU North Carolina, to chat about how families can finish the school year strong.
WGU North Carolina is an affiliate of Western Governors University, an accredited nonprofit online university founded in 1997, and many of their students are working moms. What’s more is that Chancellor Truitt is in the thick of it with us as she works full-time and educates her three children enrolled in Wake County Public Schools. She understands first-hand the delicate and difficult balance of school, work and family.
We’re sharing our full 20-minute conversation in the video below, but here are a few important takeaways that may be helpful for you and your family as you navigate the remainder of your virtual learning experience. We all have our fingers crossed that school starts back in the fall, but you never know – this information may be helpful next year, too!
And, if you’re into funny mom moments, check out the 2:57 mark…it’s classic.
Key Takeaways:
Lay out clear expectations for your kids, but involve them in setting those expectations. Their buy-in is vital to a successful virtual learning experience.
For younger kids, set a schedule and give them “space for grace.”
Younger children need structure, guidance and encouragement, but they also need to gain a sense of independence as they grow, and parents are on the front lines to help with that.
Read with your young children, and encourage their reading skills! If you do nothing else, do this.
For older children, they know that “nothing counts” for school past March 13, so they need guidance related to goal setting. Think about how you can help older students set and achieve goals despite what a grade-book may have noted March 13.
Screen time is a hot topic these days for all ages, especially in a virtual learning environment. Chancellor Truitt advises to consider the differences in “active” and “passive” screen time. Active screen time engages a child’s mind, helps them learn and stimulates critical thinking. Passive screen time is more relaxed and often just passes the time. Parents-turned-teachers may want to consider acceptable limits for both depending on their needs and lifestyle, and set expectations with the involvement of their kid(s).
Never underestimate the power of reward – for parents and kids alike! Whether it’s going out for ice cream or something different, set benchmarks and rewards with your family so that when a milestone is reached, everyone can celebrate.
WGU created The Remote Teaching Handbook to help teachers and parents navigate virtual learning during COVID19, so check it out (especially Chapter 2 for parents) when you have time.
Thank you, Chancellor Truitt, for your insights and for reminding us that we’re all in this together. We’re all going to give virtual high fives when summer break finally arrives!
