Remote instruction requires clarity, review, checking for understanding, and prompt feedback to be successful. However, distance adds challenge, making instructors look for ways to implement it. So, firstly, the question arises, “what is remote learning?” But, before moving on to that, let’s look into the background of remote education.
Due to the pandemic, institutions across the globe were forced to at-home schooling. Different schools were caught at varying levels of preparedness. Some simply sent home paper packets, while others ensured students had devices, WiFi, and access to online curricula and learning materials.
As many schools, colleges and universities are ensuring learners have access to equipment, internet connectivity, and other resources; remote instruction still poses challenges. Research evidence suggests that online learning doesn’t work as well as traditional instruction and that learners who are already struggling in face-to-face settings are likely to be affected the most.
Still, many experts and practicing teachers are offering pointers to help remote learning be as effective as possible.
What is Remote Learning?
Remote learning’s definition encompasses anything that is taught over the internet or something that lacks direct physical contact. But one thing it direly misses is the “interaction.” Other students and educators are in face-to-face sessions, making it a group activity. However, online learning lacks it. So, to overcome this disconnect, instructors must lean into blended learning.
Different Methods to Implement Remote Learning
There are various ways to apply remote learning, but some are more frequently employed because they are practical and produce better outcomes. Following are some of the implementation ways:
1. Provide a Blended Learning Experience
Blended learning offers the best, combining traditional training methods with modern, online techniques. Hence, educators can adapt face-to-face learning to webinars and online interactive sessions. Moreover, the educational materials can reach all remote learners while promising an interactive learning experience.
Students can ask questions and chat with one another. At the same time, teachers can give instant feedback and answer all queries. It’s the perfect combination of old and new learning and teaching methods.
2. Develop a Participating Habit among Students
Initially, the challenge is to motivate students to show up for classes or complete assignments. Unfortunately, many instructors report that fewer than half of their students participate in remote learning. It could be partly because some students lack reliable access to the internet and other technological resources. Online learning reshapes higher education as the world progresses after the pandemic.
Some practitioners offer solid solutions to get students to log on to online platforms. Firstly, instructors should clear the course’s goals and expectations. For example, tell students when they need to show up and what tasks they are expected to complete. Also, playing on learners’ FOMO (fear of missing out) can encourage them to participate.
Emphasize how many students showed up and highlight a positive trend that more students than ever completed the assignment. It also helps students clearly plan when and where to engage with the coursework. Eventually, they will get into remote learning, but the process may take some time.
3. Make the Learning Process Interactive
Learners need the opportunity not just to read and listen but also actively engage in the process of learning and exploration. Some online platforms allow instructors to give brief quizzes to students and get immediate results. Even if teachers don’t have such an option, students can quiz themselves and periodically ask or answer questions about the study materials. This practice will help students absorb and remember information presented in the lessons.
There are apparent differences between distance learning and online learning. Teachers can also make recordings of their class lectures and periodically ask students to pause the video and respond to the questions posed. Ideally, instructors will not only ask questions but also be able to hear and see answers, giving instant feedback to students.
4. Focus on Content
Once students show up for virtual lessons, the next question is what to teach. At the elementary level, some teachers stick to reading and math, leaving subjects like social studies and science optional– the same approach many schools use in face-to-face classrooms. However, if possible, instructors should resist this pressure. Time management is essential as hours spent practicing reading and comprehension skills, and strategies are wasted if they are disconnected from the content. Focusing on topics in a subject and spending at least a couple of weeks on them are much more likely to build knowledge, vocabulary, and comprehension.
Moreover, instead of asking learners to practice finding the main idea of disconnected passages, it is essential to ask questions to let them think deeply about the lesson. Teachers should be mindful that before leaping to analytical questions, they should check if students have a literal and basic understanding of the subject matter. For example, ask them first, “what are nocturnal animals?” or “how are they different from other animals?” etc.
5. Keep Things Simple
Simple, clear directions and expectations are always vital, but they become even more critical in situations where educators cannot quickly gauge when students are confused. Some considerations are logistical; for instance, try not to use too many different apps, platforms, or classroom routines. Also, it’s essential to be cautious about introducing new learning material. Distance learning generally works best when teachers concentrate on reviewing and reinforcing what students have already learned.
6. Balance Synchronous and Asynchronous Learning
Virtual learning can be done synchronously, with everyone online simultaneously, or asynchronously, with students accessing recorded lectures at different times. However, synchronous lessons are harder to engineer and don’t allow students much time to practice. So, it is essential to include some time when the entire class is online simultaneously. It allows prompt teacher feedback and enables educators and students to maintain connections and feel part of a group. Check the positive and negative aspects of online learning in complete detail.
Conclusion
While we looked into “what is remote learning” and how to implement it, it is vital to provide students with an environment that is conducive and engaging. And as we learn more about distance learning, we can do better to make it a success for our students, educators, and institutions.
