TIPS & STRATEGIES FOR AUTHENTIC DISTANCE LEARNING

-Lisa D.

How do we create authentic distance learning that aligns with our classroom learning outcomes at home? How do we make sure our students keep learning content and critical thinking skills from a distance?

We know that distance learning can be stressful for everyone involved, which means that students, teachers, and parents need to be aware of some helpful tips that are designed to keep everyone sane!

Tips & Strategies for Distance Learning

1. Daily Check Ins- Daily check ins will help teachers understand where students are mentally, physically, emotionally, and academically. The students need to know that you care! Check ins can also address any concerns students and teachers may have as well as provide the opportunity to ask questions.

2. Be available in multiple ways! – Whether it be texts to parents, email for students, Dojo or Seesaw, Zoom or Skype (if possible) and if students don’t have access to internet, then send letters in the mail or visit them if possible. If close contact isn’t possible, then drive by their house and communicate from your car to their porch! Be creative and find a way!

3. Try to incorporate the same procedures of a normal school day- If math normally starts at 8am, then encourage students to begin their math work at 8am. If reading normally starts at 9:30am, then encourage students to begin the content at 9:30am, and so on and so forth. Keep the structure as close to normal as possible, so students can stay in a constant routine.

4. Try to make directions for assignments and activities as clear and explicit as possible- No one wants their students to be confused, so no matter how big or small the assignment may be, be crystal clear! Also, be open and receptive to any questions.

5. YouTube is your friend! Posting a video for students to view and respond to is possible! Teachers can demonstrate skills, explain each step of the learning process for any subject area, and provide visuals, essential questions, and supports throughout the video. Students can also comment on the video with their thoughts or questions to try to replicate classroom experiences.

6. Encourage parental involvement! It is important that parents get through the experience alongside their children. Parents can offer clarification, stability, and support during such an unfortunate time. Parents and teachers should try their best to accommodate every student and make sure learning happens!

7. Promote internet safety- Now that learning is mostly done online, it is vital that students and parents understand how to safely navigate internet platforms with the least amount of issues as possible. Parents should monitor their child's internet usage during class, as well as other parts of the day.

8. Provide alternative methods of delivery- Some students may not necessarily have access to internet at home, so teachers can make learning packets, they can send letters/resources/articles in the mail, and they can offer to send content-specific books to the students house to help fortify the learning process.

9. Make time for yourself!- It is super important that you find some time throughout the day to have a moment of peace away from all of the crazy! Take a walk, paint your nails, learn to juggle, play your favorite game, or make your favorite snack! Try not to bog yourself down with too much negativity, and do an activity that YOU love.

10. Have fun! It may not be the ideal situation, but try to make it as fun as you can given the circumstance. Put your own spin and creativity into every teaching and learning component to make the process a little less stressful!