Virtual learning help: 11 Virtual Learning Tips for Students to Ensure Success

11 Virtual Learning Tips for Students to Ensure Success

After spending several years learning in a physical classroom setting, the transition to virtual learning may prove difficult for some students, especially younger kids.

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They no longer have a live teacher in front of them, nor do they have a cohort of learners around them who can help and support them the same way they do in a real classroom.

Though things may not seem normal, this may be the new normal for the foreseeable future.

Here are some virtual learning tips for students to adjust to this new educational environment:

1. Know the Expectations

One of the best online learning tips for students is to take the time to understand what exactly your teacher is looking for you to do.

Each teacher will have expectations in terms of note-taking, assignment completion, and attendance.   Make sure you know what each teacher expects and attend each class prepared.

It would be best if you also went in with a degree of patience and understanding. While you are accustomed to in-person learning, so is your teacher. They’re trying to get used to virtual learning too.

There will be a learning curve for everyone involved, and things will be different for teachers and students alike.

2. Have the Proper Technology

Since you have to use your home computer or tablet, you will need to ensure that you have everything required and that it is working correctly. After all, 4.4 million students don’t even have consistent access to computers for virtual learning, and many more don’t have a stable internet connection.

So ask yourself the following questions:

Is your laptop charged and/or plugged in? Is your internet connection running smoothly? Does your Zoom microphone work? Is the microphone sensitivity too high or does your microphone sound like a robot? What about your webcam?

It is always a good idea to sign on for class a few minutes early. That gives you time to have everything loaded and troubleshoot anything that does not appear to be working properly.

3. Prepare Your Learning Environment

Aside from having what you need in the technology department, some courses may also require other materials.

Here is a list of useful items to have within reach:

• Paper for taking notes
• Pens and pencils
• Markers, crayons, or pencil crayons
• Highlighter
• Calculator
• Ruler
• Water bottle and a snack

Virtual learning for students will also require a study space that has adequate light, and that is comfortable. It is also a good idea to have an area that is free of outside distractions so you can stay focused and motivated to study.

4. Establish a Routine

Teachers who are providing virtual learning for students will stick to a schedule. They will most likely be available during a specific time slot each day. Though students will have to be online for any lectures and to ask questions, some of the allotted time may also be used for completing assigned work.

Now, instead of being in a class for 60-90 minutes, students may only need to be online for the first 15 minutes to attain the required information before logging off and completing assigned work.

It is essential to establish a routine so that the time teachers are allotting for classwork is not wasted. It is a good idea to follow a regular school day schedule as much as possible. Having a schedule will prevent students from falling behind and not completing the work on time.

If you feel like you are caught up or ahead in a course, use the time to work on other subjects, hold study sessions, and to get prepared for your next online session of the day.

5. Remember Your Daily Physical Activity (DPA)

DPA is still an essential part of the curriculum but can be challenging to deliver as an online program. And according to the World Health Organization, over 80% of kids don’t get enough exercise.

A Physical Education teacher may want students online to discuss rules of sports and techniques. Still, the onus is on students to remain physically active.

Here are some tips for virtual learning in Phys. Ed.:

• Get up from the computer between classes to stretch out your body. Now that you are not moving from classroom to classroom, you may be more sedentary than usual.
• Go for a walk or jog.
• Have a trampoline? Get jumping!
• Use the basketball nets outside on the school grounds to shoot some hoops.
• Find a YouTube exercise channel you like and get moving.
• Play VR games that help you work up a sweat like Just Dance or Beat Sabers.

Physical activity helps to improve your mood, increase energy, and awaken your brain for learning.

6. Talk to Your Teachers

The teachers are still available for you when you have questions and need help with your work. Virtual learning for students and teachers will look and feel different, so it is vital to keep communication open.

Also, the teacher may be looking at 20-30 students on their screen and may not notice if you have your hand up to ask a question.

Some online learning platforms have a virtual hand you can raise, or the teacher may have a signal that you are to use. Find out what the procedure is and if you have questions, make sure you ask!

If the teacher does not recognize you, turn on your mic and address them politely, and they will acknowledge you.

If you feel confident and don’t have any questions about the work, it is still important to maintain a connection when operating in a virtual environment.

At the end of class, ask your teacher how his weekend was or mention that you saw him walking his dog! Or tell a story about something that happened at your house.

Teachers miss that kind of communication with their students when doing distance learning, and it is an integral part of their day.

7. Talk to Your Classmates

Having the opportunity to talk to your classmates and maintain a certain level of socialization is also important. Your teacher understands this as well and will provide opportunities for interaction when possible.

Another benefit to signing on earlier is that you may have an opportunity to socialize before the teacher is ready to begin the lesson. One of the most complex parts of virtual learning is that the social aspect is not the same as in-person schooling.

Remember to remain engaged. If someone asks a question during class or posts to a discussion board, be prepared to participate and help to create dialogue.

You may also want to set up online study groups of smaller cohorts so that you have more opportunities to speak with your classmates. Group chats using social apps are also a great way to stay in touch.

8. Stay Focused During Virtual Teaching

As part of preparing your ideal distance learning environment, it was mentioned that you need a quiet place with no distractions.

Maintaining focus can be one of the biggest challenges of virtual learning. Your teacher may not be able to see if you have other tabs open, your phone in your hand, or the television on.

You have to take greater responsibility for your learning now. One crucial tip for virtual learning is to leave your phone and other devices that could be distracting in another room.

If you find your mind wanders more easily when you do not physically have your teacher in front of you, take notes during the lecture. Even if printable notes are provided, it is a good learning strategy. Most people tend to absorb more information if they hear it and write it.

9. Set Measurable Goals

Virtual learning can be overwhelming at times. Setting clear and measurable goals can help alleviate some of the stress and anxiety that some may feel.

If you have big, multifaceted assignments, break them into smaller, more manageable chunks. Create a schedule for each of the tasks working up to the due date.

It is a good idea to use a calendar to keep track of what you need to complete each day during your distance learning. Though a digital calendar will work, sometimes a visual representation is better for staying on track. When you have your work set out in front of you where it is visible, it seems to keep you more motivated to get it done.

10. Reward Yourself

It is important to be proud of your accomplishments. Virtual learning is not easy. It takes perseverance, motivation, patience, and grit. Set your goals for the week and reward yourself upon completion.

Working toward something will help you to maintain your focus and get the job done. Aside from the good grade for doing your work and handing it in on time, do something special for yourself that will make you happy.

11. Remember the Fresh Air

It can be tiring sitting in front of a computer and not having the in-person socialization you are used to. Make sure you are taking brain breaks between your classes and, if you can, get some fresh air and sunshine.

In fact, one survey found that 75% of educators believe students who “spend regular time outdoors are more creative and better problem solvers. ”

Sitting in front of a screen all day doing distance learning can make you feel tired, and your mood may not be the greatest. Boost your mood by taking plenty of brain breaks!

Put These Virtual Learning Tips to Work!

These tips for virtual learning are just a few things that will help students transition from the classroom at school to the classroom at home.

Students will also need support from parents and others in the home to ensure that things run smoothly.

Some homes may have multiple students in different grades trying to participate in virtual learning simultaneously. Every family will need a system that will work in their home. The most important thing is to support one another and work as a team.

What are some other online learning tips for a successful school year? Share your thoughts by commenting below.

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Stephanie Barber

Stephanie Barber was born and raised in Saskatchewan and currently lives in Alberta, Canada. She started her career as a school teacher 20 years ago and has taught English Language Arts to students in grades 3-12. She holds a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership and Administration and is passionate about lifelong learning.

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5 Tips to Make It Work – Connections Academy®

Virtual Learning and Working Parents: 5 Tips to Make It Work – Connections Academy®

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July 13, 2022
by Valerie Kirk

Virtual school offers many benefits for K–12 students, including flexible scheduling, personalized learning, and a safe learning environment. For working parents, those benefits may seem out of reach for their students as they worry about balancing job responsibilities with online school. How do working parents manage virtual school?  

Don’t worry—you’ve got this! Finding success in online school requires balance, patience, and commitment for all types of families. And while each family has to find what works for them, with a little flexibility, working parents can reap all of the benefits of virtual school. 

The first step is to understand how virtual school works and the role parents play in supporting online learning.  

What Is a Learning Coach?

A crucial role at Connections Academy® is the Learning Coach, who is a parent or caretaker that builds the weekly school schedule, tracks attendance, communicates with teachers, and supports their student while they complete their schoolwork. 

As a parent, you are your child’s first teacher. You know them best and understand what works and what doesn’t to keep them motivated and engaged with learning. Whatever your situation is, you may be wondering how parents can help with online learning and maintain their role as mentor and educational coach while balancing all of their other obligations—including a full-time job.   

If it sounds like it may be too much as you think about balancing those tasks with your work responsibilities, Connections Academy staff and teachers—along with our community of parents—offer many tips, tricks, tools, and support to help you find success as a Learning Coach no matter how busy your schedule is.  

How to Balance Working and Supporting a Student in Online School

One thing that helps working parents is to have more than one designated Learning Coach to help spread out the tasks. Your partner or another trusted adult can help with lessons and assignments to keep your student on track while you are working, and you handle some of the administrative tasks when you aren’t working. Many parents with different work schedules find success with this arrangement, where one designated Learning Coach spends time with their student in the morning and the other in the afternoon.  

If you can’t swing this type of arrangement, there are still ways working parents can manage online school by getting a little creative. Here are five ideas for virtual school at home for working parents: 

1. Take Advantage of Online School’s Flexible Scheduling.

Plan your child’s learning schedule around your work schedule. Make sure the activities that require the most support and input from you are done during the times you’re available to help your student. Designate your working hours for independent reading and subjects your child has an easier time digesting. 

2. Keep Your Child Focused with To-Do Lists.

Without a clearly defined list of things to accomplish, your child has a higher likelihood of becoming distracted or straying from their schoolwork. Leave clear instructions for your child for the times you are out of the house, and make sure they complete their assignments and any other tasks on the to-do list as required to meet school deadlines. Hint: This is also a great idea for any household chores you would like your child to do while you are at work!  

3.

Make Use of Planning Tools.

Online schools help working parents manage school assignments with planning tools that can integrate your family’s calendar, your work schedule, and your student’s virtual class and lesson scheduler. Have your child learn how to manage the planner early in the school year. This way, your child will become an independent learner and never miss scheduled online classroom sessions or their teachers’ virtual office hours. 

4. Stay Flexible and Make Adjustments.

There may be times when your child isn’t able to complete their online lessons without your support, and that is OK! Online school’s flexible pacing helps students spend more time on the lessons where they may need extra support. Set aside another time to work on that assignment and encourage your child to continue working on the things that come more easily when you are not available. For full-time working parents, evenings and weekends are usually the best times for being a hands-on Learning Coach. Online school assignments can be submitted at any hour of the day or night! 

Remember to plan ahead to take time off from work for things like school social activities and field trips that would benefit your student and help them socialize with their classmates. Also plan to be available for any required state testing.  

5. Take Advantage of Teachers and Peers.

One of the advantages of many virtual schools is that certified teachers can spend more time working one-on-one with you and your child to develop an individualized learning plan and provide extra assistance with scheduling to help working parents manage school. Take advantage of this resource and encourage your child to contact their teacher if they need extra help. This will also help your child form a strong bond with their teacher and learn the important skill of asking for help when they need it.  

School discussion boards, real-time classroom conversations, and email communications are also good ways your child can interact with other students. If you aren’t there to help, encourage your child to use these methods when trying to solve a problem or complete a tricky assignment. 

Virtual Learning Can Work for Working Parents

The shared goal between parents and virtual schools is to help children achieve success on their learning journey while having a great online school experience. By working through scheduling issues together, parents can take an active role in their child’s learning while balancing work obligations. 

Working parents thinking about online school are encouraged to give it a try! Learn more about virtual school and see if it is right for you and your family by attending a Connections Academy information session. You are sure to find one that fits around your work schedule. 

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