From being a choice to becoming the only option for education throughout the world, eLearning has helped millions of students and tutors connect in virtual classrooms.  As schools and colleges return to normalcy again, the use of online teaching and learning remains to be significant.

Students, teachers, and educational establishments, who have learned the importance of online learning alternatives, may want to explore new ways to enhance traditional teaching methods.  In addition, regular home schoolers, teachers or tutors online may want to grow their skill in this area.

Are you one of the progressive minds?

Online teaching is not reserved for schools and colleges alone. Millions of skilled people have already been teaching on the platforms like Udemy, Coursera, Khan Academy, etc. It’s time for those who feel overwhelmed by online teaching to put themselves at ease and discover new methodologies.

I am certain that most teachers who taught online in the pandemic never wanted it. It can be unsettling not being able to connect with students in person. However, many progressive minds also got a taste of eLearning and it wouldn’t be surprising if they start considering online tutoring as an addition to their skills:

Virtual classrooms, recorded lectures, digital learning materials, and online quizzes, etc. can make great additions to regular teaching routines, while they could also be used in blended-learning methodologies in the regular classroom sessions, too.

If you are a teacher who feels overwhelmed by the pressure to engage students online, or if you are looking to learn how to teach online on your school’s platform or some eLearning marketplace for added income, this post will offer you some useful insights on how to get started.

We will look into tips from professional eLearning experts, different online tutoring software that you can use, and how you can start your journey as an online tutor with limited experience.

What should you know about online tutoring as a beginner?

For those who are used to usual teaching environments, online tutoring could be a strange experience. Even a tech-savvy person could take a significant amount of time to teach themselves the best way to be a virtual instructor. However, with some simple strategies and groundwork, it’s possible to not just survive but also thrive as an online tutor.

Keep in your mind that:

• You are not alone– there are thousands of educators like you who are trying their best to streamline ways to engage students online. As schools and colleges shifted to the online mediums, thousands of teachers got the taste of online tutoring for the first time.
• You are still the subject expert: Be it your school classroom or a virtual classroom, you are still the subject matter expert, mentor, and regulator of your class. Summon your confidence knowing that you have the skills and experience to do the job, irrespective of the platform.
• Don’t rush into applying everything: It can be overwhelming to try everything that other experienced online tutors or teachers are doing. Start with the simple stuff. For example, you don’t have to start doing instructional designing and create automated workflows in the beginning. Start with simple live streaming of recorded lectures, which you can also script and edit in advance.

How to create digital study materials?

The types of digital/online learning resources that you might need depend on whether you want to teach in 1-to-1 or group environments. However, some learning materials are relevant in all types of settings:

• Live streaming: You can live stream your audio/video lectures.
• Recorded videos: You can record, edit, and prepare video instructions.
• Visuals: You can include drawings, maps, gifs, charts, photos, and screenshots.
• Written materials: You can use written materials like Docs, PDFs, PPTs, Spreadsheets, etc.

How to put your study materials online and share them with students?

You can either use improvised ways or dedicated eLearning solutions to take your study materials online:

1.  Improvised tools:

• Cloud Tools: Create text documents directly on Google cloud tools (docs, sheets, forms, assignments etc.). You can share these e documents directly with the students using their Gmail ID.
• Videos: Upload and share recorded lectures on video sharing platforms like YouTube, Vimeo, Daily Motion tec.
• Real-time: Use free video conferencing and collaboration tools like Zoom, Skype, Google Meet, Google Classroom.
• On-premise tools: Create your documents on Microsoft office, WPS office, or LibreOffice, etc., and upload on a cloud file sharing platform like Google Drive, One Drive, or Dropbox, etc. You can also convert your documents into PDF by simply saving them with the extension. PDF or using a PDF converter tool. You can share such documents with the students by simply using their email IDs.

2. E-Learning tools

All of the above-given tools are either free to use or offer free trials. An improvised combination of these tools can be used for creating study materials and sharing them with the students. However, if you want to make it professional, you can rely on dedicated online tutoring software solutions that offer consolidated ways to create and share online courses seamlessly.

You can use such tools to:

• Create courses and instructional designs.
• Share courses and perform access control.
• Track and manage learning progress.
• Sell courses for revenue.

Please note that these tools are paid. So I don’t want to name any specific brand. Your school or college might already be using such a tool or LMS (learning management system).

In case you are looking for such a tool for selling online courses, search for online tutoring software on the internet, and take your pick as per your unique requirements. For example, if you don’t want to take live lectures, you can skip a live tutoring software and go for a self-paced course management tool.

How to stay connected with the students?

If you are using an online tutoring platform/software, you can use on-site communication tools like live chat, discussion boards, direct messages, etc. to connect with the students. However, if you are improvising your way, there are still many ways to stay connected with your students:

• Email
• Internet messengers- Skype, WhatsApp, Signal, etc.
• Third-party collaboration tools: Slack, Trello Board.
• Third-party Forums and discussion boards: Facebook groups, Sub-Reddit.

How to track the learning progress of students?

Since you might not be able to have face-to-face sessions, you wouldn’t be able to know if your students are tagging along. It’s important to understand your students’ requirements and accommodate your strategies, which you can do by tracking the learning progress of your students via digital mediums. You ask your students for feedback, quizzes, and polls using an LMS software, or standalone tools like Google forms, Survey Monkey.

What other tools can be useful?

Besides the tools given above, you can also use the following tools for an assortment of resolves:

• Canva: For creating documents, slides, and infographics.
• GIMP: Free image editing software.
• OpenShot: Free video editing software.
• Audacity: Free audio manipulation tool.
• Awesome: Screenshot and screen recorder tool.
• Team Viewer: Desktop sharing software.
• See more top screen recorders to record lectures.

Get going with new ways.

Teaching is a noble profession. Only those in education can understand the efforts a teacher or tutor makes to deliver the best of his or her efforts. Change is always tough, but an entirely new way of teaching can be overwhelming. If you too have been struggling, or see someone struggling, I hope these little tips and tricks help.

Review online teaching opportunities.

Most children can pick up things quickly – but some children aren’t so good at it. Rightly so, children are not born learners. It is essential to inculcate the habit of learning – so they are good in academics.  Individual personality plays a good part in learning – and disposition when it comes to education and schooling.

More importantly – when your child receives the right motivation – your child can adopt good learning habits.

While for most children – the classroom is the source of learning, interaction, and instruction – academic growth should not be limited to the classroom. You need to motivate your child to learn and discover new things.

How to help chidren learn more effectively

1. Help kids with their learning goals

Kids today are fed with too much information via different mediums, which affects their learning capabilities. When they need an answer – they have available resources and easy access.

You need to help your kids understand the basics of learning – where they formulate questions and understand the concepts. Show your children information resources and books. And tell them to frame questions looking at them.

At the end of the exercise, your child will figure out the concept – and it will help them understand better. Basically, you need to make things easier for them.

2. Play games to encourage learning

If you want to make your child a quick learner – it is essential to encourage them to discover and explore new things. You can introduce them to fun math games, card games and board games – so they become sharp learners.

Yes, board games play a big role in learning – as it intrigues children and they use their imagination power and problem-solving capability. Besides, these games help to strategize challenging situations, which makes things easier for them. With every logical step –  they learn something new that makes them smarter. Mind board games are best for your little ones.

3. Develop reading habits

Reading is the key to learning new things and grasping new concepts. Children who develop a love for interpretation also develop a love for learning. And children who struggle to read – also struggle to learn.

Reading is the first step towards learning – where your child gets comfortable with books. Besides, regular reading helps your child develop better vocabulary and formal communication skills.

It helps your kids explore language art – and gives them an enhanced ability to understand different subjects. As a part of the exercise, you can tell your child to read for twenty minutes daily – and make sure your child reads aloud.

4. Understand your child’s attention span

Kids don’t have the longest attention span – so you will need to understand their attention span. At times, your kid may appear to focus but maybe zoning out. However, forcing them to stay focused when they lack motivation is forcing them to learn. This is not beneficial in promoting student growth.

Take some time out – and help get their focus back. It is a good idea to create a learning schedule – where your kids will learn for fifteen minutes and rest for 10 minutes. They won’t lose their focus – and will be able to concentrate better on their study routine.

5. Focus on your kids’ interests and introduce learning styles

You need to focus on your kids’ interests and likes. Learning becomes fun – when your child enjoys the process. If you wish to help your child become a good learner – you will have to explore topics and dig out interests.

Like, if your kids are fascinated by discoveries in space, get your kid books and resources that cover the topic.

To help your kids learn better, you can introduce new learning styles. If your kids like playing games – make learning interactive and fun. Use video to engage learning and explore learning apps designed to help teachers and parents access the latest tools..

6. Help your kid stay organized

Do you know if your child is disorganized – it will affect his learning process? Your child needs to remain organized – so that he can concentrate better. Though disorganization is common in school children, don’t let it be a habit.

Tell your child to organize books according to subjects. Besides, naughty children spend more time being frustrated instead of focusing on learning. However, you need to be patient to help your child organize and do things rightly. If you lose patience, you will end up shouting, which will mess up the situation.

Celebrate Learning

Apart from all the techniques mentioned above, it’s essential to celebrate your child’s wins. When your child gets a trophy or certificate, encourage your children by giving them something they like.

It will further motivate your child to do better and learn new concepts. It develops positive feedback – and they begin to enjoy the process of learning, which helps them do better in exams.

Make learning fun and interactive for your children, but do not pressurize them with new concepts. Let them enjoy the process.

Those who volunteer spend an average of 52 hours a year helping out their communities. Volunteering helps you feel good about using your talents for others’ benefit, and it brings a lot of joy to your life. Volunteering can even help you develop new skills or gain experience in a new field.

Volunteering is especially beneficial for children. Young people don’t have the life experiences to understand that different people have challenges and difficulties they haven’t thought about. Encouraging volunteerism in children not only improves our world in the present, but for generations to come as kids pass a legacy of serving others on to their future families.

Here are just a few of the benefits of arranging for your child to volunteer in your community.

Increased Compassion

It’s easy for any of us to see things only from our own perspectives. We get caught up in the details of daily life and forget that there’s a bigger picture. Children are especially susceptible to this because they simply don’t have a lot of life experience.

When they volunteer, their eyes are opened to the different life experiences people have. It helps young people be grateful for their own blessings and be more compassionate to others.

A higher level of compassion will help your child interact better with their peers, avoid pitfalls like cyberbullying, and give them a better perspective on their future.

When children spend time helping others, they start to understand that they can make a difference. They may even come up with creative ways to solve other problems in the community. It’s empowering to realize that your actions matter and that you can make a difference in the life of others.

A Consistent Routine

Going to school gives most kids a consistent routine five days a week during the school year. However, what about weekends and summer? There’s definitely a benefit to unstructured time, but too much of that can cause boredom.

A consistent volunteering schedule can help your child stay on track even during the summer or shorter school breaks. It gives them a reason to get up in the morning and something to structure their day around.

Just as it’s important for adults to balance work, school, and other activities to be successful, so too is it for kids to do the same. And it’s up to parents and guardians to help them learn to do so. Overscheduling a child too far in one direction and can cause stress, burnout, and lower academic performance.

Done well, consistent volunteering can be something a young person looks forward to and enjoys.

A Sense of Purpose

We all sometimes wake up and wonder, “Is this all there is?” We can get lost in the mundanity of our job, bills, and chores and lose sight of the bigger picture. Children often feel the same way about their daily lives.

When we volunteer, it gives us a sense of purpose. Whether it’s helping with the dogs at the local animal shelter or helping an older friend or family member with spring cleaning and other household chores, we get a lot of satisfaction from making a difference. Help your child create a spring cleaning checklist they can realistically manage to act as mini housekeeper for your friend.

Kids are the same way. They enjoy taking their time and talents and using them for someone else. The smiles, gratitude, and sense of pride a child gets from volunteering can carry them through a tough week at school or other challenges.

There are many services for the less fortunate that wouldn’t be able to operate if it weren’t for volunteers. Knowing that they’re part of what keeps things moving forward is a huge boost for your child’s self-confidence.

A Leg Up for College

Getting into college is more competitive than ever. Most young people plan to go to college, and most jobs require a college degree. However, going to college isn’t as simple as moving to the next grade in school.

In college, you need to know what you want to study. You need to have some idea of your interests and what you want your future to look like. Volunteering can help your child shape those ideas.

Does your child love animals? Volunteering with a local animal shelter can help them decide if they really do want to become a veterinarian. Does nursing call to them? Volunteering at a hospital can help them know what to expect and get them started building compassionate relationships.

On top of that, volunteer experience is something they can discuss on their college applications. It might help your child stand out from other applicants and be selected for admission or even a scholarship.

Volunteering Connects Children with Their Communities

It’s vital that all of us, including our kids, take time to step back from our daily lives and remember that we’re part of a larger community. Volunteering can do that. Volunteering as a family can benefit everyone while building strong relationships and great memories.

Volunteering also helps increase social skills, get practical experience, and gives kids a chance to explore their passions. There’s no reason not to have your child volunteer! Why not find out what they love and see if an organization in your area is looking for help today?

Parents of this generation have now accepted the fact that digital games are an inevitable part of their kids’ lives. Be it a toddler or a kid in preteen age, children love to play games. Also, game development’s evolving advancement is leaving no stone unturned to provide kids with a massive number of diverse games with every passing day.

Wordle is a recent game that has taken the internet by storm and focuses on spelling and discovering the word of the day.  This simple and brief word game is a great way to get kids started at educational games that are fun and easy.  Still, our list of the seven games that benefit children dig deeper into games that are more involved.

How Do Games Benefit Children?

When we talk about online games, we cannot deny that they play a huge role in the cognitive development of today’s young generation. They are not just boredom busters. Depending upon which category they fall into, games provide an excellent source of improving creativity, hand–eye coordination, and multitasking. They also help with reading skills and boosts social development.

Games enhance children’s learning by keeping them motivated and equipping them with logical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills. Certain games are proven to bring an improvement in memory and attention span. To sum up, online games are the perfect medium to teach kids a variety of skills just the way they like it.

With such an extensive number of games available online, it is tough for parents to pick the ones that are truly the most beneficial for children of all ages. Don’t worry, as we have got you covered with a list compiled just for you. We will suggest you seven games that will develop their brains and prove to be a significant source of infotainment.

1. Prodigy

Prodigy, a mathematics game for children aged three and up, busts the notion that maths is boring and difficult. Developers who have designed the game have done a brilliant job by making the subject fun to learn for kids.

A remarkable feature of the game is that the content is tailored according to the player’s strengths and weaknesses. This gives a customized learning experience and helps the child get improvement where needed.

Prodigy allows parents to create an account so that they can keep track of their child’s development and reward him for the progress. The game is available to play online, on iOS, and Android.

2. Minecraft

Kids with a penchant for constructive games now have their virtual freedom to build whatever they want with the highly popular game Minecraft. The popularity of this game isn’t perplexing, as the gameplay is extremely fun. It provides the children unlimited resources and challenges to fulfill their desire to explore and create whatever they wish.

You can build homes, castles, and even weapons to fend off monstrous enemies.

Minecraft helps develop strong emotional and social skills by evolving the sense of self-direction, collaboration, and withstanding pressures. Children above six years of age can easily play this game. As the game is multiplayer, parents are recommended to monitor children’s online activity by watching them play to keep them safe among the online community.

3. Dungeon Sweep

Adventure games like the Dungeon Sweep by Unlimited Gamez Mo, help in improving quick problem solving and logical reasoning in children. They provide a dose of fun while the analytical skills are developing alongside.

Set up in Catacombs’ gameplay, the player has to unlock special powers by finding the way through various challenges. These powers will eventually help him defeat the Master Wizard, with whom the final battle has to be fought. Dungeon Sweep is an action-packed game that will keep the kids on their toes, challenging their brains to overcome hurdles.

4. Endless Alphabet

The latest educational games are a fun online activity for kids designed to keep them entertained while imparting learning. Among a huge variety of learning games, Endless Alphabet is one such game that is suitable for children aged three and up.

With the animated monsters teaching the children how to read, speak, and write, the game is visually appealing as well as interactive. It is a great way to teach letters, words, and sentences to children in an engaging way so that they won’t get bored. The good thing about Endless Alphabet is that there are no failures, high scores, or stress in it, making it a happy and calm space to learn the language.

The game is available on Android, iOS, and online.

5. Scrabble Go

Scrabble has since long been a source to strengthen vocabulary in a fun way. Now, the virtual version of this game, Scrabble Go, is available for kids to play. The classic word challenge is a highly beneficial game to play as it will help children learn new words by encouraging them to find their meaning and use. It also develops analytical thinking, which is usually improved by puzzles and crosswords.

You can download this game from the Google Play store or the Apple App Store.

6. Sight Words

Teaching kids how to read is a challenging task for teachers and parents. But not when you do it through a fun game!

Sight Words app is a very helpful app that teaches the concept of learning words by recognizing them. Reading with sight words is very easy for kids as they learn them without memorizing their phonics and spellings. It builds the foundation for reading.

Although the game is designed keeping preschoolers in mind, it can be played by children up to 12 years of age who struggle with reading. The colorful, engaging game will definitely help your child with his/her reading skills.

7. Super Quiz by National Geographic Kids

Children have a special interest in wildlife and everything about it. Their thirst for knowledge can be quenched by the interesting Super Quiz by the National Geographic Kids. The quiz will open doors of imagination and provide them with knowledge about geography, animals, and a lot more.

Kids as young as six can play this game, or you can play with younger ones by asking them the questions that come up on the quiz. It will be a fun yet knowledgeable experience for the children and help them learn about biodiversity.

Summing Up

Several studies have proven that kids who play online games are adept at critical thinking. They are better performers and more creative. An informed choice of games for children will help them develop an enhanced cognition in a fun way.

All of the games mentioned above have their upsides in terms of developing multiple skills in children. You can check the satisfying reviews of these games by parents and teachers on various platforms. This will give you an idea of how advantageous these games can be for your kids or whether they are safe enough to let them play.

Author Bio:
About Michelle Joe: Michelle Joe is a blogger by choice. She loves to discover the world around her. She likes to share her discoveries, experiences, and express herself through her blogs. You can find her on Twitter.