The Role of Parents/Guardians in Virtual Education
Students can benefit greatly by having a Parent/Guardian taking the role of a Digital Learning Adviser. This role consists of 5 major phases/components. Let's take a closer look into each one.
- Launch
Every adventure has a starting point. Think of your student as an astronaut preparing to go to space. The virtual environment can be very similar to space; it is vast, largely unknown, a little scary, and has limitless possibilities! In this phase, a Digital Learning Adviser (DLA for short) can effectively start conversations with their students regarding thoughts and feelings, potential barriers, identifying and setting specific goals, and very importantly, highlighting the benefits of launching this new adventure!
- Assemble
Whether it be a student, astronaut or any other type of professional, everyone needs support. This generally comes from a person or a team that can help visualize goals and put them into action. In this phase, DLAs can help their students put their goals into action, assemble resources, and organize efforts to maximize achievement.
- Empower
Like every great adventure, there can be huge wins as well as setbacks. This phase is incredibly important to keep morale high and ensure the rocket doesn't run out of fuel. This phase is where DLAs can encourage appropriate behaviors, stay positive, and provide incentives for student achievement. Empowering students in this phase can drastically reduce negative behaviors, boost confidence, and help ensure ongoing achievement.
- Inquire
Once the mission has begun, Ground Control is constantly checking in with astronauts, collecting data, and utilizing the information to keep the mission on track as intended. DLAs are encouraged to do the same with their students by consistently inquiring, or checking in, reviewing progress, and communicating with their students about their progress.
- Reinforce
Similar to Phase 3: Empower, keeping the motivation going is one of the best ways to ensure the mission is as successful as possible. This phase is instrumental in ensuring the cycle continues, promoting sustainable results. DLAs can keep the progress going by ensuring that the previous phases are continually being reinforced, celebrating successes, and providing ongoing support for their students.