Virtual School? Hybrid School? Now what?

Schools play an important role in students’ educational achievement, health, and well being. Schools also have an important role in slowing the spread of COVID-19 while protecting students, teachers, and staff and helping ensure students have safe and healthy learning environments.

Schools around the world are trying to figure out how to make this school year successful. Balancing the need to keep the kids safe and healthy in a time of national pandemic, with the need to help them continue to move forward in their education. This is no easy task, and the schools are all trying to make the best decision for everyone. Some schools have opted for fully virtual learning, some are hybrid with a mix of days on-line and some on campus, and some schools are attempting fully in person learning. Each of these models comes with it’s own set of obstacles.

As schools begin to reopen across the nation, parents, guardians, and caregivers will be making decisions based on numerous factors, such as individual preferences, health concerns, work situations, and school considerations. If you find yourself in a situation where your student is learning completely or partially in a virtual classroom this year, here are some considerations that may help you establish a successful learning environment for them.

Signal Strength - If you are working from home, and your students are learning from home, your Wi-Fi signal may be put to the test. Wireless Access Points boost the strength of your wireless signal throughout your home. Placing access points and wireless boosters in the right location allows for optimal performance. (Now through the end of August you can save 10% on these access points.)

Another option for a stronger signal is a wired connection. If you are working in a dedicated space, this may be an option for a fast, secure, and reliable connection.

Temperature Controls - If your home is now also a classroom. you can help set the tone for learning success with temperature controls. Data shows that the ideal learning temperature is 72 degrees. This temperature keeps students awake and engaged, without making them uncomfortable. In a world where so much is out of our control at least we can control this. Smart thermostats allow you the ability to do this, even when you aren’t at home. Set temperatures to the desired degree during your student’s scheduled learning time, and then dial them to your ideal temperature automatically.

Study Tunes - Music tends to put us in a better mood, right? This should make us better at studying, but, it also distracts us…… making us worse at studying. How do you balance that? Several streaming applications offer a “study tunes” station to establish a comfortable learning environment. The data shows that noise can have its benefits. When doing routine or moderately difficult studying, low chatter and noise  can actually help your brain filter material and spot the most important information more easily. Contact us to let us help with a Sonos system, full house audio options, or even smart speakers.

Lighting Control - Lights are an important factor when it comes to studying. If your eyes cannot keep up because of wrong lighting your study success is severely impacted.

So, what makes good study lighting? First of all, the light should not come from only one direction so you can avoid shadows. Even lightning is important too, that’s why placing the desk in front of a window with direct sunshine is a bad idea. Natural light is best, but not always an option.

From security cameras and visitor alerts, to smart locks and mobile alerts, we have options to help keep you in the know with what your kids are up to. In such an uncertain world, at least we can control these things and try to set the tone for a successful school year. Virtual learning, be it part time or full is going to present challenges for families and students alike, let us help your family succeed.