Parent’s Guide: Supporting Your Child’s Education at VTVLC

As a parent, supporting your child’s education is a top priority. In today’s fast-paced, technology-driven world, online learning is becoming more and more common. For families enrolled in the Vermont Virtual Learning Cooperative (VTVLC), ensuring that students succeed in a virtual environment might seem challenging, but with the right approach, it’s highly achievable. This guide will help you, as a parent, better understand how to support your child’s education and help them thrive in an online setting.

2. Establish a Routine

Structure is critical in online learning. Full-time online students learn without the traditional school day to guide them, while part-time online students will need to find time in their day to devote to their online studies. A daily schedule and consistent routine can help your child stay on track and manage their workload effectively.

Tips:

• Set up a learning schedule that sets aside a specific time each day to make progress on online coursework.
• Incorporate regular breaks, just like a normal school day.
• Balance snacks, movement, and outdoor activities with academic work to promote well-being.

3. Foster Time Management Skills

Time management is one of the most important skills an online learner can develop. At VTVLC, students have the flexibility to complete assignments when it works best for them, but it’s crucial that they learn how to balance their responsibilities.

How you can help:

• Teach your child how to break large assignments into smaller, manageable tasks.
• Use tools like Google Calendar, Canvas Calendar, or other scheduling apps to keep track of deadlines.
• Encourage them to set daily or weekly goals, such as finishing a certain number of assignments.

4. Encourage Open Communication

Communication is key in online learning environments. While your child may not interact face-to-face with teachers and peers every day, they still need to stay connected. Encourage your child to communicate with their teachers whenever they have questions or need help.

How you can help:

• Remind your child that their teachers are there to support them, even virtually.
• Encourage participation in virtual class discussions and group projects.
• Emphasize the importance of crafting clear, professional emails when they need assistance.

5. Monitor Progress Regularly

Online learning allows for greater flexibility, but it can also make it easier for students to fall behind if they aren’t keeping up with their coursework. As a parent, you play a vital role in ensuring that your child stays on track.

How you can help:

• Use your observer account in Canvas and parent account in Genius to keep updated on your child’s grades and progress
• Ask your child to give you updates on their assignments and deadlines.
• Celebrate their successes and accomplishments to keep them motivated!

6. Encourage Independence

Online learning offers an opportunity for students to develop independence taking more control over their education. While it’s important to strike a balance between allowing them to manage their studies and offering support when they need it, you can give them a leg up on their studies by promoting their independence.

How you can help:

• Encourage your child to take responsibility for their assignments and schedules.
• Offer guidance rather than solving problems for them. Help them identify solutions or point them to resources, such as their teacher or VTVLC’s support teams.
• Emphasize the importance of problem-solving and adaptability, key skills for success in online learning.

7. Stay Engaged with VTVLC

At VTVLC, we’re committed to supporting both students and families. Staying engaged with the VTVLC community and using the resources available can help you better understand your child’s progress and ensure their success in the program.

How you can stay involved:

• Follow VTVLC on social media and subscribe to the VTVLC newsletter! VTVLC’s online communities post tons of updates about school events, and important VTVLC info.
• Make use of VTVLC’s technical support if your child experiences any challenges with the learning platform by submitting a help ticket.

8. Promote a Growth Mindset

The path to success in online learning isn’t always linear. Challenges may arise, but it’s important for both you and your child to adopt a growth mindset. This mindset encourages resilience, adaptability, and the understanding that setbacks are opportunities to learn.

How you can help:

• Encourage your child to view mistakes as learning experiences rather than failures.
• Praise their effort, persistence, and willingness to seek help when needed.
• Remind them that it’s okay to ask for help and that they have a network of support through VTVLC.

9. Utilize Resources and Support Services

VTVLC offers various resources to help both students and parents succeed in an online learning environment. Whether it’s technical support, academic resources, or tips on how to navigate the platform, take advantage of what’s available.

How you can help:

• Familiarize yourself with the VTVLC platform and encourage your child to do the same before classes start.
  Explore the parent resources VTVLC offers, such as how-to guides.
  If you ever have questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out to the VTVLC support team.
• Supporting your child’s education at VTVLC doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By creating a structured learning environment, encouraging communication and independence, and staying engaged with VTVLC, you’ll be helping your child develop the skills they need to succeed in an online learning environment. With the right tools and mindset, your child can thrive academically while you support them every step of the way.