Page 30 - IFV Issue 5 July 2025

Estate News

suCCessful online

hoMe sChooling

Online home schooling offers a wealth of opportunities for learning, but it
also comes with specific requirements. With the constant barrage of digital

distractions, maintaining focus can be a daunting task. However, there is a
secret ingredient that can transform the online home schooling experience:
presence. Being fully engaged, attentive and intentional in learning is the key
to unlocking success, according to an education expert.

resence matters for in virtual classes. Practical tips for “Staying mentally present during
several reasons. When maintaining engagement and presence lessons maximises learning, and
“Pstudents are fully present, include the following: designating specific study hours makes
they absorb and retain information • Look at the camera: When you’re study time a focused and meaningful
more effectively. Active participation speaking or listening, try to look experience. Regularly assessing what
in discussions elevates understanding directly at the camera. It helps strategies help maintain focus and
from superficial to profound, fostering the teacher know you’re paying adjusting study routines accordingly
a deeper connection with the material attention. is also important. Flexibility is key
and leading to better academic • Show interest: Use facial to finding the right balance and
outcomes,” says Jo-Anne Buchner, expressions as appropriate and maintaining engagement,” Buchner
Cambridge International Principal make eye contact. says.
of Evolve Online School, a brand of • Sit up straight: Keep your back She says the long-term benefits of
Africa’s leading private education straight and sit comfortably in your cultivating presence in online home
provider, ADvTECH. chair. It helps you stay focused. schooling are profound. “It leads
She adds that presence acts as a shield • Keep your environment tidy: to higher academic achievement,
against stress, enhancing motivation Make sure the background is clean improved social and emotional skills,
and creating a structured yet engaging and neat. It is less distracting for increased confidence and motivation,
approach to learning. This environment yourself, the teacher, and peers in and a lifelong love for learning. By
encourages creativity and innovation, the class. minimising distractions and staying
which are crucial for long-term success. • Dress neatly: Prepare for your day focused, students can transform their
Cultivating presence also teaches as you would if you had gone to a learning experience from mundane to
students discipline and accountability - physical school. Don’t be tempted to magical.”
essential skills for academic and personal stay in your pyjamas all day.
growth. It improves time management • Use headphones: If you have ABOuT ADvTECH
and study habits, equipping students headphones, wear them to help The ADvTECH Group, a JSE-listed
with the tools they need to navigate you hear better and block out other company, is Africa’s leading private
complex learning environments. To noises. education provider and a continental
achieve this, setting up a distraction- • Stay away from distractions: Try leader in quality education, training,
free space is vital. Creating a dedicated not to play with toys or look at other skills development and placement
learning area with a stable internet screens during class. Stay focused on services. ADvTECH’s Schools division
connection, free from distractions like what the teacher is saying. comprises ten brands with 119 schools
phones and TVs, becomes a fortress of • Be ready to share: If you have across South Africa and internationally,
focus where students can concentrate something to say, be ready to share including Botswana, Kenya and Ethiopia.
without interruptions. it. Raise your hand or use the chat
She says parents should encourage to let the teacher know you want to Information supplied by Meropa on behalf of ADvTECH
Group.
their children to actively engage speak. Photos: Freepik

28 • July 2025 • The Villager