Thames International x SunStar: Parenting Tips for Online Learners Webinar Series
by: Nico Belasco, Thames Undergraduate Student
Thames International Business School, in Partnership with SunStar Cebu, put together a free Webinar Series titled Parenting Tips for Online Learners. This two day webinar, which took place on July 25, 2020 and July 29, 2020, aimed to equip parents with tips and tools to enhance their children’s online learning experiences.
The series focused on various aspects of parenting students in the new normal, covering topics such as mental health, cyber safety, learning environments, and technical setup. With a total of 300+ participants nationwide, it is safe to say that the talks were a success.
Day One was hosted by Thames International Alumnus, entrepreneur, and founder of Junior Preneur, Cherry S. Genato. She was joined by Thames International President and Co-Founder Joel Santos. The spotlight was on Michael Cu, a wellbeing coach and the Operations Director for CML Well-being and Psychological Services. Cu delivered an in-depth discussion on the importance of students’ mental health in the transition to online learning.
Acknowledging that mental health problems are on the rise worldwide, Michael went on to share how parents can better support their children as they deal with stress, anxiety, and nostalgia – all of which continue to play a detrimental role in education.
Afterwards, the floor was then taken by Thames International Entrepreneurship students Nikka Arciaga and Hannah Magdangal, who shared their tips for parents from the perspective of students. Nikka went into detail about how she overcomes mental health struggles, while Hannah touched on how students and parents alike must stay vigilant in cyber safety. As the speakers wrapped up day one, participants shared their gratitude in the comments section. One shared, “Thank you very much to all the speakers/lecturers and to THAMES The webinar is very informative and addresses the present scenario. Kudos to everyone!”
Day Two consisted of insightful discussions from Homeschool Coach and Author of Keep It Together, Frannie Daez, and DIY Dad for Online Learning Set-up, Heaven Torres. Frannie, an experienced homeschool mother, talked about the similarities between online learning and homeschooling, and shared tips on how to optimise students’ education by finding ways to make learning more interesting through fun activities and projects. She shared that students and parents being home can be beneficial relationship-wise, and how it opens up a whole new world of knowledge.
Heaven talked about the ins and outs of technical setup, and how unconventional methods can be a match for top of the line equipment. He shed light on internet connection, resourcefulness, and finding ways to make do with the gear that is on hand.
Frannie and Heaven were joined by Thames International communication arts students Denise Pascua and yours truly. I touched on maximising learning by creating an environment that benefits learners, while Denise spoke about time management and how to keep a level head by finding ways to do things that you enjoy.
Again, participants took to the comments section to share their thanks. One went so far as to say, “Amazed at how the students direct themselves with their goal setting and very impressed in how disciplined they are in attaining it.”
After two days of informative talks by subject matter experts, parents, and students, Thames International and SunStar achieved their goal of sharing knowledge on how parents can effectively help their children make the most of their online learning.
Thames International is committed to building a new order for the world by giving talented students and entrepreneurs the tools to thrive and lead the way in a world beset by rapid change. If you’re interested in augmenting your skills and making connections with some of the brightest minds in business education today, please take a look at our future-proof undergraduate and postgraduate programs.
If you would like to partner in producing webinars related to online wellness or other parent-related topics, feel free to reach us at inquire@thames.edu.ph or inquire at +639992270787 or +639992269796.
