The modern family is constantly evolving. Before, it was very uncommon to see families load into the minivan for a March vacation; nowadays, anything goes. “Van Life” is a trending concept among families who prefer to take a nomadic approach to domesticity. And with an uptick in remote workers after the pandemic, more parents are opting to take working vacations during strange times of the year.
All this is to say, more families are hitting the road. And with them, they need to bring the resources, connectivity and conditions required to provide their children with a robust education.
In this post, let’s explore four tips for mobile learning. Here’s how to keep your kids’ education moving forward – even as the family vehicle moves forward.
Attend Online Courses
Distance learning through a traditional brick-and-mortar school can be prohibitively challenging. Instead, consider enrolling in courses at an online high school if you plan to travel. Online schools are remote, flexible and self-paced; students can complete their coursework from anywhere, and arrange their schedule around transit hours. Moreover, quality online schools offer generous support for remote students, including 24/7 tutoring.
Accredited online schools offer a turnkey solution for families travelling in off-peak seasons. Check out the grade 12 courses at Ontario eSecondary School for examples of course descriptions and online student responsibilities.
Establish a Routine
One of the reasons we love travelling is precisely because it’s spontaneous and wild. But spontaneity isn’t always conducive to a structured and productive education. Young learners need to practice time management – and, to do that, they benefit from routine.
For instance, if you’re planning a road trip, divide the days between a) transit time, b) study time and c) fun time. Ensure that each day follows a relatively consistent schedule (on the road at 8 am, at your destination by noon, studying from 12 pm to 5 pm, etc.). Conversely, you can merge transit and study times with a mobile hotspot, allowing your young learner to work in the backseat. The main takeaway is to establish a consistent routine, whatever that looks like to you.
Bring an Easy-to-Set-Up Workspace
It’s also beneficial to have a “workspace” a student can unpack, set up and fold down in little time. It doesn’t need to be anything too intensive (no need to bring an ergonomic office chair). Instead, consider easy-to-pack items like the following:
- noise-cancelling headphones for blocking distractions
- e-readers for preloaded textbooks and resources
- a personal hotspot in case you’re without WIFI
- a power bank in case you can’t find a charging station
- and an ergonomic keyboard rest to avoid discomfort
Together, these small, packable items combine to create something that feels like a dedicated study space on the road.
Strike a Balance Between Study and Leisure
Finally, strike a balance between coursework and leisure. The whole point of travelling is to enjoy the wide world, so make sure your young learner has ample opportunities for excitement.
Twenty years ago, travelling with a high-school-aged student during school months would have been nearly impossible. Now, thanks to technological tools and quality online schools, it’s relatively simple. Follow the steps above to take education on the road.
