UIS helps parents help e-learners

Posted on September 15, 2020
Kara McElwrath, an instructor at the University of Illinois Springfield, tells parents they need to be a constant source of assurement to their online-learning children. (Photo courtesy: Dave Dahl/WJBC)

By Dave Dahl

SPRINGFIELD – “This is the most exciting year to be in education!”

When Kara McElwrath of University of Illinois Springfield said that, you could imagine students, parents, and teachers saying, that’s one word for it!

But McElwrath told parents during a webinar Monday everybody needs to know that everybody is anxious about it – and the parents’ job is not only to guide them through remote learning, but also to keep students assured that they are doing okay and that the e-learning is new and a little uneasy for everyone.

One of her analogies: even though kernels don’t pop at the same time, you still get a bowl of popcorn when you’re done — so don’t compare your kids to other kids.

Dave Dahl can be reached at [email protected]. 

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