How can parents be involved in blended learning environments?

3 Encourage and motivate

Blended learning can be both exciting and demanding for children, who may need to adjust to different modes of instruction, manage their own learning, and cope with technical issues. Parents can support their children's emotional and social well-being by encouraging and motivating them throughout the blended learning program. They can praise their efforts, celebrate their achievements, acknowledge their challenges, and offer constructive feedback. They can also help them develop a growth mindset, a positive attitude, and a sense of responsibility for their learning.

4 Communicate and collaborate

Blended learning requires constant communication and collaboration between parents, teachers, and students. Parents can stay in touch with the teachers via email, phone, or online meetings, and update them on their children's progress, needs, or concerns. They can also participate in online forums, surveys, or events that involve the blended learning community. Moreover, they can communicate and collaborate with their children by asking them questions, listening to their opinions, and solving problems together.

5 Monitor and review

Another way that parents can be involved in blended learning environments is by monitoring and reviewing their children's learning outcomes and assessment. They can check their children's online portfolios, assignments, quizzes, or feedback, and help them track their performance, identify their strengths and weaknesses, and set their next steps. They can also help them prepare for their face-to-face sessions, where they may need to demonstrate their skills, knowledge, or projects. Additionally, they can review their own role and involvement in the blended learning program, and seek feedback from the teachers or their children.

6 Explore and learn

Finally, parents can use blended learning as an opportunity to explore and learn new things with their children. They can access the online resources, such as videos, podcasts, games, or websites, that are relevant to their children's curriculum, and engage in meaningful conversations or activities with them. They can also learn from their children's experiences, insights, or questions, and share their own perspectives, values, or stories. By exploring and learning together, parents can enrich their children's blended learning journey and foster a lifelong love of learning.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?