With the pivot to online learning, students should be aware of the etiquette and skills necessary to succeed. While sometimes remote learning is done out of necessity, many parents or learners may choose virtual school out of preference. Either way, teachers and students must work together to reap the benefits of online learning. Here's a look at some of the most important factors in setting students up for success.
When students are in a school building, there are bells or verbal cues that help them know what time classes switch. However, in an online school, it is the student's responsibility to know what time they need to log on. Time management can pose a challenge for some students, particularly younger children.
Regardless of age, teachers must encourage learners to keep track of time. Students can implement time organization in several ways, including setting calendar reminders or keeping a copy of their schedule by their desk.
Remote learning opens up the possibility for interruptions that are less of a concern in a traditional classroom. When a child is at home, they can become distracted by other people, pets or devices.
When instructors encourage presence and help their students learn how to engage with content, students are more likely to retain the information they learn. One of the easiest ways to encourage focus is by engaging with children and giving them positive feedback when they've done well.
Students in virtual classrooms can still find ways to socialize with peers or other community members. Teachers can invite students to answer icebreaker questions online just as they would in the classroom. You can even try something a bit more unconventional, like spending a few minutes at the end of class doing meditation or other activities together. Setting time aside for students to communicate with you and each other will allow them to feel like they are connected, even if they are miles apart.
School officials might ask students to download or access numerous applications online. Zoom, Google Meet and Class Dojo are a few popular options that can facilitate online learning. Some learners may even take it upon themselves to download additional programs.
Any number of these tools can be helpful in your classroom learning experience. However, encouraging students to navigate between multiple websites and applications can lead to confusion. Figure out what works best for your classroom model and aim for consistency, keeping in mind that not every student will have access to the same technology.
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