During this season of coronavirus that most schools are closed and the world health organization (WHO) together with governments are advocating for social distancing, many people especially parents all over the world are shifting to online education as a means to stop the spread of the disease.
It is said that this period of uncertainty is likely to be an unforgettable time both for students and teachers alike.
For parents, it is quite obvious that most are under panic. Many even feel that this pandemic could lead to far negative effect on kid’s education that expected.
If you are also concern about the pandemic and how it can affect your child’s education, I have good news for you.
There are online educational resources designs to help kids learn from home or wherever they are during these uncertain times.
Khan Academy
Khan Academy has developed a wide range of resources for students to tap into while learning from home. Khan Academy offers sample schedules, tips for parents and livestreams with teachers, alongside free online courses and test prep materials, which the site has long provided. Khan Academy founder and CEO, said that parents should look to online resources when they can’t replicate the expertise of a classroom teacher. “The resources are there to get students through most of the subject matter, so it’s really about pointing them to the right thing and keeping them motivated.”
The College Board
Advanced Placement exams, offered by the College Board, are still on, albeit online. “Because of the challenges created by COVID-19, we’re developing online AP Exams students can take at home,”
For students striving for AP credit, the College Board has rolled out online resources to help with test prep, such as sample schedules and test tips. The College Board also offers lessons and review sessions on YouTube featuring livestream lectures on a range of AP exam offerings.
National Education Association
Parents can get insight straight from the professionals with curated resources such as webinars on remote instruction and practical advice for teaching online offered by the National Education Association.
The advice offered by the teachers union applies to both instructors and parents who suddenly find themselves occupying that role. “Let your child try to solve their problems but be there to help if they get stuck,”
Scholastic
Scholastic, a publisher of books, literacy curricula and classroom magazines, is also offering remote learning options. According to its website, Scholastic’s Learn at Home hub is offering “20 days’ worth of active learning journeys designed to reinforce and sustain educational opportunities for those students who are unable to attend school.” The website describes available materials for grades pre-K through ninth grade as “day-by-day projects to keep kids reading, thinking, and growing.”
Smithsonian virtual field trips
They’re no substitute for being there, but virtual field trips can help students explore inspiring worlds. Though Smithsonian museums are closed due to the public safety concerns around COVID-19, virtual tours are available of many museums and the National Zoological Park. New distance learning resources from the Smithsonian are also available online. “The Smithsonian should have a prominent place in every classroom and home, Whether during the course of everyday learning or in a crisis like this, parents, teachers and students can rely on the Smithsonian’s wealth of expertise and knowledge that is available for free at the click of a mouse.
NASA
Science, technology, engineering and math – often abbreviated as STEM – is at the core of NASA’s mission. The NASA STEM Engagement site offers hands-on activities for students of all ages, broken down by grade levels. Students can build an edible spacecraft, train like an astronaut or build a rocket that can be launched from their own backyard. According to the NASA website, the commitment to STEM is to help educate students who can one day contribute to the workforce: “The intended outcome is a generation prepared to code, calculate, design, and discover its way to a new era of innovation.”
Foreign language learning apps
While parents may be able to work with their student to answer a question about history or solve a math problem, foreign languages could be a little more challenging. Language learning apps and websites may help ease that challenge for families. One such app is Duolingo, which offers both free and paid versions.
Rosetta Stone is another popular language learning tool. Though typically a paid product, Rosetta Stone is offering three months of free online language instruction for students who are homeschooled or whose schools were closed due to the coronavirus.
Massive open online courses
Massive open online courses, also called MOOCs, offer students the chance to try their hand at many subjects from robotics to philosophy alongside hundreds or even thousands of classmates. Certificate and noncertificate courses are offered, some free, making MOOCs a low-risk way for students to explore areas of interest.
These courses can also offer a preview of college rigor. “Students get a firsthand glimpse of what the courses look and feel like, what the quality is like,” Jason Ruckert, vice chancellor and chief digital learning officer at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University—Worldwide, told U.S. News in 2019. Popular MOOC platforms include Coursera, edX and Future Learn.
Conclusion
Many parents are on triple duty—working, parenting and teaching from home—all while striving to keep your household healthy, fed and mentally balanced. Don’t worry; we’ve got you covered with these resources for you and your kids!