Distance Learning and eLearning Tips for Students and Educators

Elearning Tips for Teachers

• Engage with students both synchronously and asynchronously.
  • Synchronous. Schedule time to have live discussions and screencasts – if possible using video technology. One of the things to consider in a virtual learning community is connection and visual connection is really important. If possible, use technology to set up “live” class times where students can not only see you as well as your screen or content but also you can see them and they can see you and each other. Zoom is now free for schools and has some really cool capabilities allowing video to switch to each student speaking.
  • Asynchronous. Setup “office hours” time where you are online and can respond to questions via text/chat. Microsoft Teams works really well for this. It gives students a way to feel connected but that may not want to ask in the group/live setting.
• Provide a sample or recommended schedule for students. Ideally, this would include an amount of time they should schedule to do the work required. Have them provide that to you to help hold them accountable and let them know you may check in with them during these scheduled times. Recommend they schedule at least some of this time during your “office hours”.
• Assign supplemental video content which allows students to watch YouTube videos. Take advantage of all the newly free resources to supplement your topics. So many amazing resources available. This is a great asynchronous assignment for students and sometimes you can screencast this and create watch parties depending on the platform.
• If possible, assign asynchronous assignments as well as synchronous. For example, an online discussion about a book or chapter but have both a live discussion (could be using chat or video) but then an assignment to engage in a follow up discussion where students are to put some thought into responding to more in-depth questions as well as commenting on other responses. Assignment could be to reply to each question and to comment on 3 other students replies. Sometimes this is done in a blog type format.
• Setup projects with small groups so kids can get the social interactions they enjoy and need. This makes online learning both fun and engaging. Assigning groups is a good idea so everyone is included and students aren’t ONLY working with friends.
• Try to assign non-screen homework and projects. Virtual and online learning is going to have a lot more screen-time for kids, consider non-digital assignments and projects. Even if they record them or do them “live” on video – any kind of interaction is helpful with so much more screen-time.
• Talk about the changes and differences and give students ideas and recommended tools to help them manage and embrace this new normal for learning and classes. Have frequent dialogue at the beginning of class and ask them what’s hard, what they like, what’s working. Give them a chance to engage with each other and give each other ideas as well as tell you what’s working well for them or what’s not.
• Consider a weekly 10 minute live video conference with your students to check in.

Distance Learning/Virtual Learning Tips for Students

• Setup a place to take your online classes to minimize distractions and interruptions.
• Create a schedule which includes “live” virtual classes and time set aside for each class including homework and asynchronous assignments. Schedule some of your time to work on your homework and assignments during your teacher’s office hours. Stick to your calendar. If something comes up, be sure to reschedule it.
• Use alarms and calendars to help you stay on task. Give yourself frequent breaks where you get up and walk around. You can even face time with a friend but make sure you leave the environment where you’re working and get some physical exercise. Consider walking or playing with a pet, shooting some baskets outside if possible, get up and get a snack, or swing a golf club etc.
• Check in with your teacher and schedule your check in times on your calendar. It doesn’t have to be live but it is more important that when you are not learning in a face-to-face environment to keep your teachers in the loop and let them know if you get behind or don’t understand.
• Ask for help. It is so important to stay on top of things because teachers may not know you’re behind so you have to ask for help. You can do virtual tutor sessions with other students or calls and videos with your teachers.
• Setup times to collaborate with others in your classes. Whether it’s a group project or an independent project you want to talk through with another person or individual.
• Turn off your cell phone. Turn off your notifications from chats or videos or games.
• Use a planner and a to-do list. Break projects, assignments and work intervals down into small chunks.
• Create rewards. It could be something simple, like a 10 minutes video call with a friend, a snack, but something that is motivating to you.

Resources

https://www.pbs.org/education/blog/distance-learning-tips-from-one-teacher-to-another

https://blog.connectionsacademy.com/8-top-tips-for-student-success-in-online-school/

https://www.edutopia.org/topic/online-learning

https://www.acellusacademy.com/blog/tips-transitioning-online-school/

https://www.newamerica.org/education-policy/edcentral/online-learning-wake-covid-19/

https://elearningindustry.com/10-study-tips-for-online-learners-getting-the-most-out-of-your-elearning-course