Category: Modern Parenting

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Empower Your Workforce With A Modern LMS: A Game-Changer In Corporate Training

In the fast-paced business world, corporations are contending with ever-changing markets, technologies and employee skill sets. The race to remain competitive hinges on a company’s ability to quickly adapt and learn. Thriving in this dynamic environment requires a robust training strategy, which is where a Modern Learning Management System (LMS) comes into play. Let’s delve into how a modern LMS can empower your workforce and transform your corporate training.

A modern LMS is an online platform designed to create, distribute, and manage educational content and training programs. It enables employees to learn at their own pace, in their own time, from anywhere in the world. This flexibility is crucial in today’s landscape where remote work has become increasingly prevalent.

One of the significant benefits of using a modern LMS is that it offers personalized learning paths. This means that employees can focus on acquiring the skills they need for their specific roles or future career advancement. Moreover, modern LMSs incorporate artificial intelligence and data analytics, providing insights into learning patterns and helping administrators enhance training effectiveness.

Interactive features such as gamification have been game-changers in corporate training. They make learning more engaging by adding game elements like points, badges, and leaderboards. Such features motivate employees to progress through courses and retain more information.

Social learning is another aspect of modern LMSs that foster a collaborative environment by enabling users to share knowledge, experiences, and best practices with their peers. Through discussion boards, social media integration, and peer-to-peer recognition systems, an LMS can bolster community building within an organization.

Mobile compatibility is also key to a contemporary LMS solution. It allows employees to access courses on smartphones or tablets conveniently. This mobile access caters to the growing demand for on-the-go learning opportunities and fits seamlessly into the lives of busy professionals.

The flexibility provided by cloud-based LMS platforms enables scalability as well as a reduction in costs related to hardware maintenance and course material distribution. Companies can easily update content or scale their training programs without significant downtime or additional expenses.

Finally, modern LMSs are critical in compliance management. By automating the tracking of course completion and certifications, they ensure that employees meet industry standards and legal requirements with less administrative burden.

A modern LMS can be thought of not just as a tool but as a strategic asset driving corporate learning culture forward. With its ability to cater to individual learning preferences while aligning with organizational objectives, it’s clear that integrating a modern LMS into your workforce development strategy can indeed be a game-changer in corporate training.

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19 Hacks for Teaching Kids to Share with Others

Are you looking for hacks for teaching kids to share with others? If so, keep reading.

1. Do not Let the learner bring things to school that they are not willing to share (e.g., games, toys, etc.).

2. Make sure the learner is not expected to share everything (e.g., do not punish the learner for not sharing a hat, gloves, personal things, etc.). Everyone has things they would prefer not to share with others.

3. Connect with parents (e.g., notes home, phone calls, etc.) to disseminate information about the learner’s progress. The parents may reinforce the learner at home for sharing at school.

4. Draft an agreement with the learner stipulating what behavior is required (e.g., sharing) and which reinforcement will be implemented when the agreement has been met.

5. Praise those students in the classroom who share.

6. Talk with the learner to explain(a) what the learner is doing wrong (e.g., failing to give classmates chances to use things) and (b) what the learner should be doing (e.g., sharing learning materials).

7. Give the learner enough learning materials to satisfy immediate needs (e.g., one of everything). As the learner shows success, slowly lessen the number of learning materials, and require the learner to share the available learning materials

8. Make sure that shared learning materials are returned to the learner so they will create a positive concept of sharing.

9. Learners who cannot share with one another because of their personal dislike for each other should not be placed in the same group when sharing is required. If a learner prefers not to share with one specific person, it does not mean that they do not have the capacity and ability to share.

10. Give the learner many experiences to share with others and have learning materials returned. On occasions where the learner learns that shared learning materials will be returned, the learner will be more likely to share in the future.

11. Make sure the learner knows that if shared learning materials are used up, worn out, broken under normal use, etc., they will be replaced.

12. In group situations, give the learner appropriate learning materials for the learning experience so sharing problems do not disrupt the learning experience.

13. Do not expect the learner to share all learning materials. Students need to “own” some learning materials (e.g., jewelry, clothing, etc.).

14. Provide a realistic level of expectation for sharing school learning materials based on the student’s age level and capacity and ability to share.

15. Praise the learner for sharing: (a) give the learner a concrete reward (e.g., privileges such as leading the line, handing out learning materials, 10 minutes of free time, etc.) or (b) give the learner an informal reward (e.g., praise, handshake, smile, etc.).

16. Consider using a classroom management app. Click here to view a list of apps that we recommend.

17. Consider using an adaptive behavior management app. Click here to view a list of apps that we recommend.

18. Consider using Alexa to help the student learn to behave appropriately. Click here to read an article that we wrote on the subject.

19. Click here to learn about six bonus strategies for challenging problem behaviors and mastering classroom management.

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19 Hacks for Teaching Kids to Share with Others

Are you looking for hacks for teaching kids to share with others? If so, keep reading.

1. Do not Let the learner bring things to school that they are not willing to share (e.g., games, toys, etc.).

2. Make sure the learner is not expected to share everything (e.g., do not punish the learner for not sharing a hat, gloves, personal things, etc.). Everyone has things they would prefer not to share with others.

3. Connect with parents (e.g., notes home, phone calls, etc.) to disseminate information about the learner’s progress. The parents may reinforce the learner at home for sharing at school.

4. Draft an agreement with the learner stipulating what behavior is required (e.g., sharing) and which reinforcement will be implemented when the agreement has been met.

5. Praise those students in the classroom who share.

6. Talk with the learner to explain(a) what the learner is doing wrong (e.g., failing to give classmates chances to use things) and (b) what the learner should be doing (e.g., sharing learning materials).

7. Give the learner enough learning materials to satisfy immediate needs (e.g., one of everything). As the learner shows success, slowly lessen the number of learning materials, and require the learner to share the available learning materials

8. Make sure that shared learning materials are returned to the learner so they will create a positive concept of sharing.

9. Learners who cannot share with one another because of their personal dislike for each other should not be placed in the same group when sharing is required. If a learner prefers not to share with one specific person, it does not mean that they do not have the capacity and ability to share.

10. Give the learner many experiences to share with others and have learning materials returned. On occasions where the learner learns that shared learning materials will be returned, the learner will be more likely to share in the future.

11. Make sure the learner knows that if shared learning materials are used up, worn out, broken under normal use, etc., they will be replaced.

12. In group situations, give the learner appropriate learning materials for the learning experience so sharing problems do not disrupt the learning experience.

13. Do not expect the learner to share all learning materials. Students need to “own” some learning materials (e.g., jewelry, clothing, etc.).

14. Provide a realistic level of expectation for sharing school learning materials based on the student’s age level and capacity and ability to share.

15. Praise the learner for sharing: (a) give the learner a concrete reward (e.g., privileges such as leading the line, handing out learning materials, 10 minutes of free time, etc.) or (b) give the learner an informal reward (e.g., praise, handshake, smile, etc.).

16. Consider using a classroom management app. Click here to view a list of apps that we recommend.

17. Consider using an adaptive behavior management app. Click here to view a list of apps that we recommend.

18. Consider using Alexa to help the student learn to behave appropriately. Click here to read an article that we wrote on the subject.

19. Click here to learn about six bonus strategies for challenging problem behaviors and mastering classroom management.

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ELearning Resources, Tips, and Strategies for Educators and Parents

ELearning is becoming one of the many popular methods of studying because of convenience and flexibility. Although it comes with its share of advantages, you will face a few challenges when signing up for an online course. 

This article will discuss a few eLearning resources, tips, and strategies that will help educators and parents simplify online studying. 

Make Use of Educational Tools 

There are so many educational apps and tools that you can use as an online learner. Most parents and educators enjoy showing their kids and learners educational videos on YouTube. Khan Academy is an example of a company that uploads videos based on school work. 

Help Learners to Set Objectives 

Most learners can find themselves unmotivated and lazy when it comes to their online studies. However, there are a few ways educators and parents can help them get around this problem. 

Learners should be encouraged to set goals. For example, they could achieve an A in a specific subject or spend at least two hours studying each day. If learners have something they are aiming for, they will feel much more motivated when it comes to their work.

Educators and parents should reward their kids when they realize their goals. They should work with the learners to figure out what went wrong when goals aren’t accomplished. This will make the kids feel as though not alone in their studies, positively impacting their work. 

Help Learners to Settle into a Routine

Even though the convenience of this form of education is an advantage, it can sometimes lead to procrastination and laziness amongst learners. That is why settling into a routine is so essential. 

There are several ways educators and parents can help their learners and kids find this routine. For starters, the kids should always work in a designated study space. Additionally, parents could help their kids design a study plan, making it easier to stay on track with work. 

Conclusion

There are many ways in which parents and educators could help learners when studying online. Several educational tools and apps, such as YouTube and Pedagogue, can make learning much more manageable. 

Learners should also be encouraged to set goals for themselves to stay motivated. Lastly, parents could help their kids find a routine when it comes to their work. Learners can do this by finding a designated study space and assisting learners in creating a study plan.

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What Are the Attributes of a Future-Ready Parent/Guardian?

The “future-ready” movement seeks to increase digital learning tools in schools. Although the focus of the effort is on school leaders, that doesn’t mean that a parent can’t be future-ready. And it is certainly the case that a learner would benefit from having a future-ready parent. So what does a future-ready parent look like? They have four characteristics:

1. They recognize that not all education technology improves learning. A company can make a wide variety of claims, but the evidence may not back up the marketing department’s promises. Most businesses often commission and release their own research touting their success, but this research may not meet the standards for academic research. So, the future-ready parent must carefully assess education technology to ensure that their kids use materials that will benefit them.

2. Wise parents know that although education technology is not the same as playing a video game, there are still concerns about kids having too much screen time. Although the best education technology can help learners develop vital skills, it must also be balanced with developmental experiences in the “real world.” Kids need to learn how to interact with other people and manage their responses to boredom. They need time to imagine and interact. So although future-ready parents understand the advantages of digital tools, they also know when to say “enough.”

3. The future-ready movement focuses on preparing learners for college and career readiness. This means that the future-ready parent has to think about the long-term: What does my kid want to pursue as an adult? 

4. Being future-ready means having an eye toward digital equity. This implies that parents will care not only about the academic success of their own kids but also about the success of kids who are disadvantaged in some way. 

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Questions Parents Have About Education Apps

Education apps have been steadily rising in popularity and availability. Most parents are excited at the prospect of taking a more active role in shaping their kid’s education. Choosing the right educational program can help a kid to expand their knowledge and skill base. After all, these education apps are intended to engage a variety of learning styles so every kid can benefit. 

However, most parents become overwhelmed by the sheer number of educational apps available. How can you decide which ones are right for your kid? Asking yourself these common questions may help to guide your decision-making process. 

Does it Help Fulfill My Kid’s Academic Needs? 

It doesn’t make sense to give your kid an education app that favors vocabulary when they are currently failing math. Selecting the right education app based on their current academic needs is important. Although they can certainly use educational programs to boost their strong areas, these apps are better designed to help strengthen a weak point. You should be looking for apps that have content geared toward your kid’s academic weak points. 

Is it Age-Appropriate? 

It’s no secret that the majority of learners who are using education apps are in high school. This fact alone means that most manufacturers will gear their content and formatting to an older generation. When selecting an education app for younger kids, you particularly need to ensure that the content is appropriate for their age group.

Can You Buy a Similar App at a Lower Price? 

Although most education apps will be free, some may cost more than you’re willing to spend. Always take the time to research whether you could get a similar education app at a lower price. Be sure to compare the reviews, content, and formatting to ensure that the cheaper version is comparable. 

Will this App Help to Bolster Creativity? 

One of the many common issues with educational apps is their propensity to promote consumerism over creativity. Parents and educators should select apps that favor the latter. Look for versions that don’t prompt kids to pay money for extra coins, hidden levels, and bonus tries. These apps should actively encourage your learner to make and work hard on their concepts instead of receiving instant gratification by purchasing items. 

Ensure that you’re making a wise choice before you download any education apps for your kid. This framework of common questions can guide your decisions and improve your kid’s learning experience. Take advantage of everything tech has to offer in today’s contemporary age, but practice applying it judiciously by asking questions and evaluating it beforehand. 

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Questions Parents Have About Education Apps

Education apps have been steadily rising in popularity and availability. Most parents are excited at the prospect of taking a more active role in shaping their kid’s education. Choosing the right educational program can help a kid to expand their knowledge and skill base. After all, these education apps are intended to engage a variety of learning styles so every kid can benefit. 

However, most parents become overwhelmed by the sheer number of educational apps available. How can you decide which ones are right for your kid? Asking yourself these common questions may help to guide your decision-making process. 

Does it Help Fulfill My Kid’s Academic Needs? 

It doesn’t make sense to give your kid an education app that favors vocabulary when they are currently failing math. Selecting the right education app based on their current academic needs is important. Although they can certainly use educational programs to boost their strong areas, these apps are better designed to help strengthen a weak point. You should be looking for apps that have content geared toward your kid’s academic weak points. 

Is it Age-Appropriate? 

It’s no secret that the majority of learners who are using education apps are in high school. This fact alone means that most manufacturers will gear their content and formatting to an older generation. When selecting an education app for younger kids, you particularly need to ensure that the content is appropriate for their age group.

Can You Buy a Similar App at a Lower Price? 

Although most education apps will be free, some may cost more than you’re willing to spend. Always take the time to research whether you could get a similar education app at a lower price. Be sure to compare the reviews, content, and formatting to ensure that the cheaper version is comparable. 

Will this App Help to Bolster Creativity? 

One of the many common issues with educational apps is their propensity to promote consumerism over creativity. Parents and educators should select apps that favor the latter. Look for versions that don’t prompt kids to pay money for extra coins, hidden levels, and bonus tries. These apps should actively encourage your learner to make and work hard on their concepts instead of receiving instant gratification by purchasing items. 

Ensure that you’re making a wise choice before you download any education apps for your kid. This framework of common questions can guide your decisions and improve your kid’s learning experience. Take advantage of everything tech has to offer in today’s contemporary age, but practice applying it judiciously by asking questions and evaluating it beforehand. 

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What Digital Parenting Style Describes Your Family’s Tech Habits?

Many parents want to protect their kids from harm. This is especially true in today’s world when threats to a kid’s safety and well-being can enter your home in digital form. Responsible parents protect their kids from digital dangers by using parental control and phone monitoring apps. These tools are useful, but they aren’t the only skills you need to raise digitally-responsible kids.

You must know your digital parenting style. Those who work with kids recognize three main styles of digital parenting.

The Tech Limiting Parent

Some parents say no, especially to any tech. They think that eliminating tech reduces the likelihood of digitally tainting a kid’s intellectual development. The only way to keep their kids safe is to keep them away from all tech. Withholding tech is often easier when kids are younger. Once they enroll in school, it’s harder to prevent tech access, but by then kids are already lagging behind their peers in both tech skills and responsible behavior.

Ignoring or hiding tech won’t lessen its presence or importance. In fact, the opposite happens. Kids intentionally seek it out and misuse the tech.

The Tech Enabling Parent

Enabling parents show a large amount of trust in their kids’ ability to navigate tech responsibly. Although these parents are not entirely hands-off in their approach to digital parenting, they give their kids a considerable amount of free rein when it comes to making tech decisions. Enabler parents may check-in to see how things are going.  The conversations about tech use are often superficial, with little to no follow-up.

Showing a lack of boundaries increases the likelihood that kids communicate online with strangers or get involved in other online misbehavior. By digitally enabling kids, parents who set no boundaries are setting their kids up for unsafe behavior.

The Tech Mentor Parent

This digital parenting style guides your kid from the side. These parents often sit with their kids whenever they use tech. They may play digital games and communicate electronically through chats or videos with distant family members. Of the digital parenting styles, the mentor approach is the one that helps kids make responsible choices when it comes to using tech.

Kids with mentoring parents are far less likely to engage in inappropriate online behavior than peers parented in other styles.

The Neglectful Tech Parent

The fourth style of digital parenting is neglectful. This digital parenting style approach is a do-whatever-you-want-because-I-don’t-care approach.  This digital style is the result of not communicating with your kids. Laissez-faire, neglectful parents fail to guide their kids. As a result, the kid is left to their own decision-making judgment. Ignoring your kid’s tech exploration can result in destabilization. Kids who receive no guidance are less likely to function well in a digital world.

It’s up to you to decide what digital parenting style works best for your kids. You may even consider a blended strategy. You could limit the use of some tech for younger kids and increase the amount of trust you place in older kids who have earned it.

Many parents want to be a part of their kids’ tech use at school and home. The digital parenting style can determine how well your kid can navigate their tech and be a responsible digital citizen.

Posted on

What Digital Parenting Style Describes Your Family’s Tech Habits?

Many parents want to protect their kids from harm. This is especially true in today’s world when threats to a kid’s safety and well-being can enter your home in digital form. Responsible parents protect their kids from digital dangers by using parental control and phone monitoring apps. These tools are useful, but they aren’t the only skills you need to raise digitally-responsible kids.

You must know your digital parenting style. Those who work with kids recognize three main styles of digital parenting.

The Tech Limiting Parent

Some parents say no, especially to any tech. They think that eliminating tech reduces the likelihood of digitally tainting a kid’s intellectual development. The only way to keep their kids safe is to keep them away from all tech. Withholding tech is often easier when kids are younger. Once they enroll in school, it’s harder to prevent tech access, but by then kids are already lagging behind their peers in both tech skills and responsible behavior.

Ignoring or hiding tech won’t lessen its presence or importance. In fact, the opposite happens. Kids intentionally seek it out and misuse the tech.

The Tech Enabling Parent

Enabling parents show a large amount of trust in their kids’ ability to navigate tech responsibly. Although these parents are not entirely hands-off in their approach to digital parenting, they give their kids a considerable amount of free rein when it comes to making tech decisions. Enabler parents may check-in to see how things are going.  The conversations about tech use are often superficial, with little to no follow-up.

Showing a lack of boundaries increases the likelihood that kids communicate online with strangers or get involved in other online misbehavior. By digitally enabling kids, parents who set no boundaries are setting their kids up for unsafe behavior.

The Tech Mentor Parent

This digital parenting style guides your kid from the side. These parents often sit with their kids whenever they use tech. They may play digital games and communicate electronically through chats or videos with distant family members. Of the digital parenting styles, the mentor approach is the one that helps kids make responsible choices when it comes to using tech.

Kids with mentoring parents are far less likely to engage in inappropriate online behavior than peers parented in other styles.

The Neglectful Tech Parent

The fourth style of digital parenting is neglectful. This digital parenting style approach is a do-whatever-you-want-because-I-don’t-care approach.  This digital style is the result of not communicating with your kids. Laissez-faire, neglectful parents fail to guide their kids. As a result, the kid is left to their own decision-making judgment. Ignoring your kid’s tech exploration can result in destabilization. Kids who receive no guidance are less likely to function well in a digital world.

It’s up to you to decide what digital parenting style works best for your kids. You may even consider a blended strategy. You could limit the use of some tech for younger kids and increase the amount of trust you place in older kids who have earned it.

Many parents want to be a part of their kids’ tech use at school and home. The digital parenting style can determine how well your kid can navigate their tech and be a responsible digital citizen.

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3 Ways to Be a Better Homeschooling Teacher

Homeschooling parents often wonder if they are teaching their children the essential things. They are always concerned about whether they are qualified enough to teach them. As a consequence, they are looking for ways to become more effective instructors.

Two things that every homeschooling parent should remember to be successful:

  • They should not make the mistake of comparing their children to their peers.
  • Do not allow fear to disrupt your homeschooling.

The practical steps that can be taken by parents to improve their effectiveness as homeschool teachers are mentioned below.

Read Books About Homeschooling

Read one homeschooling, child development, or parenting book every month. If you are new to homeschooling, read about the various styles of homeschooling. Even if a particular method does not match your educational philosophy, you can always take some helpful tips. There is no need to take all the suggestions given by the author. For instance, if Charlotte Mason’s philosophy of having short lessons does not suit your family, skip that idea, and implement the things that you like and are suitable.

You must read books about child development to understand the stages of emotional, mental, and academic development in children. When you are familiar with these things, you can set the right expectations and goals regarding your children’s academic and social skills and behavior. For example, Ruth Beechick’s book gives information about child development that can be handy for parents who homeschool their children.

Attend Professional Development Classes

Take a look at the opportunities available for learning the new skills needed for homeschooling. Attend homeschool conventions. You can listen to specially organized lectures and attend workshops held by the local support group for homeschooling. Usually, the presenters are curriculum publishers, leaders of particular fields, and homeschooling parents. They provide information as well as inspiration.

Attend continuing education classes offered by your local community college. For instance, an algebra course can help you enhance your math knowledge and teach more effectively.

Meet Homeschooling Parents

You can join hands with other homeschooling parents and spend some time together every month. During such social gatherings, it is inevitable to talk about educational concerns. You can learn about homeschooling resources from them and also get new ideas. If you like, you can even start a book club. Homeschooling parents can read and discuss books related to homeschooling trends and methods, parenting strategies, and child development.

Get Acquainted with the Needs of Your Student

Parents whose children have learning differences like dyslexia or dysgraphia may feel that they are not well-equipped to educate them. The parents of gifted children think they are not able to offer sufficient academic challenges to their children.

But a parent who knows the needs of their children is better suited than teachers who teach in crowded classrooms. They can interact with them and customize the education plan according to their requirements.