Finding remote learning difficult? Check out these tips for success

So you’ve set up a designated workspace for your child to do their e-learning this year. Maybe you’ve even upgraded your internet speed. But there may be even more you haven’t considered.

Dr. Kathy Webster, medical director of pediatric telemedicine at Advocate Children’s Hospital, offers the tips below for making the most out of your child’s remote education.

• Make sure your child’s work station is appropriately sized: Position the screen to avoid glare. The ideal position of looking slightly down at the screen. Make sure the chair height allows appropriate access to the keyboard without overly flexing the wrists.
• Use the 20-20-20 rule to minimize eye strain: Look away from the screen and focus on something 20 feet away every 20 minutes for 20 seconds. Hang a fun picture on the wall to serve as a focal point and encourage kids to give their eyes a break.
• Get outside! Incorporate some outdoor time and natural light breaks into the day.
• Stretch: Have your child get up and stretch in between classes or tasks.
• Limit screen time: If a lot of your child’s work is computer based, plan recreational activities for non-screen time. Limit video games and tablet usage for non-school activities on school days.
• Call your internet provider: Many service providers offer low or no-cost internet or hot spots to help support online learning. Many mobile phones can be used as hotspots to connect a laptop or tablet. If your child isn’t participating in live sessions, consider downloading information to work on offline and minimize connection time.
• Prepare your technology: Familiarize yourself with the laptop or device your child will be using before school starts. Check with their school on what tools they will be using and how to log in to them.
• Multiple students? Slower connections can occur when multiple people and devices are connected in one household. Consider rotating or scheduling if multiple people need access during the school/work day.