How to Use Your Smart Home to Better Manage eLearning

This school year is going to look very different as thousands of students from elementary school to college will be learning remotely. Instead of returning to the physical classroom, many students will be headed to their makeshift school settings, learning with the assistance of their parent(s) or guardian(s) and the guidance of their teachers from afar.

Remote learning has its share of pain points, but smart technology and other tech devices around the house can help set up both parents/guardians and kids for success during elearning.

Make the snooze button obsolete:

Getting kids out of bed is a daily struggle, whether kids are elearning or headed into school. The snooze button is readily available and for many parents or guardians, that means taking multiple trips to their kids’ rooms to ensure they’re waking up in time for the day’s lessons. That’s where automation can step in! Set up timers to turn on lights, leave shades partially open so the sun flows in and even set up music on a timer to help get kids moving and out of bed.

Monitor and keep kids on track:

With real-time video and two-way talk, parents and/or guardians can check in on their children to make sure their learning is on track. Indoor cameras can be used to ensure children are heads down in their books or truly watching their virtual lessons, which can be helpful if a parent needs to step away for a moment or they are working in a different part of the home. And when kids get a break from their studies, outdoor cameras or doorbell cameras can be utilized to make sure kids are staying safe, remaining close to home and not going over their allotted “recess time.” Access to video cameras with built-in two-way talk can help verify that academics are remaining a priority and for all your devices.

Put connected devices to work:

Voice assistants can serve as just that – assistants – during elearning. Using devices like smart speakers, you can read books to students, set timers, answer basic questions, and keep a running list of elearning tasks, all with the sound of your voice. You can also set controls so kids can’t place online orders or access sensitive information through these devices.

Set them up for cybersecurity success:

Kids today are fairly tech-savvy and can be easily distracted while online during elearning. Cybersecurity measures such as setting parental controls can keep them focused on education and away from inappropriate content (or even from making online purchases without consent). Additionally, make sure the devices they are using don’t have access to email, social media sites or other messaging services that might not be school approved. Kids are more trusting and can fall victim to phishing scams, malware or other cybercrimes, so it’s always a good idea to keep an eye on their digital footprint.

Keep the conversation going:

All tech aside, between virtual schooling and social media, the bulk of your child’s social interactions are going to be taking place online this school year. It’s important to open the lines of communication so they feel comfortable letting you know about any cyberbullying or other strange things online. While you’re talking through these points about cyber safety, ask them about their online boundaries. Provide them with what you think is acceptable behavior online and let them know you’re there if they have any questions.

No matter how “smart” your home is, even the littlest devices and protocols can make a big difference in setting students up for elearning success. Here’s to a successful school year that will be one for the (record) books!

Related Articles

• Neighborhood Safety Tips for Parents
• Start a Neighborhood Watch Checklist
• Home Security Systems: What You Need to Know about Remote Monitoring