online

A Variety of Ways to do Online Learning

/ Ritamarie Hensley / Leave a comment
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A review of the research literature on online learning indicates k-12 students benefit from online models that include a set schedule, live teaching, a mix of synchronous and asynchronous communication, and individualized support and tutoring from mentors or coaches.  

Just as there are a variety of ways to construct and deliver face to face learning, there are as many in online education as well.  As students gear up for back to school, it is important to understand the options. 

Synchronous and Asynchronous Online Learning:

Synchronous classes are live and in real time.  Students must log on at a scheduled time to participate through live video chats. Asynchronous classes are delivered through recorded videos, discussion boards, and emails.   

Students in a synchronous online class might attend school at a certain time everyday.  A synchronous class will include some live instruction and time for both individual and group work.  In asynchronous classrooms, students log-on at any time to complete work and meet deadlines.  Teachers may offer live office hours to answer questions or to provide further explanation and instruction. 

The technology used in online coursework allows for students to work collaboratively in the virtual environment.  Teachers have the ability to create virtual groups and chat rooms for students in synchronous classes.  While in asynchronous classes, students may organize communication themselves through video chats, shared documents, and emails. 

Hybrid Learning: 

A hybrid approach to learning (also called blended learning)  includes both face to face and online instruction. For example, students may attend face to face classes one or two days a week and participate in virtual classes on other days of the week.  The face to face time could be used for direct instruction, group projects, or activities that require specialized equipment available at the school.  While virtual time is used for watching instructional videos, and completing assignments and other forms of assessments. 

Learning Pods: 

A learning pod is a small group of students who meet with one teacher.  Some school districts are using learning pods as a way to keep students and teachers safe in a face to face model.   Others are formed by parents who hire teachers to provide in-home instruction to a small number of students. Like the hybrid model, learning pods may use both face to face and online instruction. 

Individual Tutors: 

Students benefit from individualized attention whether they attend face to face or online schools.  An online tutor can focus on the individual needs of a student and provide real time support for those enrolled in asynchronous classes.  

No matter the format, online learning should be engaging, communicative and supportive.  The best online models include a mix of strategies to meet the needs of all students. 

How to Differentiate Online for ELL Students

/ Ritamarie Hensley / Leave a comment
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Online learning can be difficult for any student. It requires motivation, patience, and responsibility. Students must be motivated to log on each day, patient with being seated in one place with little contact with friends, and responsible to complete all assignments on time. The ELL student will need extra services to differentiate learning to meet each student’s individual needs.

Communication

It is imperative that students have constant and consistent communication. You must send text messages, emails, phone calls, and video calls to stay in contact with your students. It is only through consistent communication that you understand how to differentiate lessons so the needs of students in their particular situation are met. And, students need to understand your expectations as well as the knowledge that you care about their learning. 

Online Tools and Ideas

Students need as much help as possible when learning a new language online, so use the many tools available. Post videos of you explaining difficult concepts to your students. You can also create cooking videos where you show students how to make a particular recipe connected to their new culture. Use the many videos on YouTube with instructors giving lessons, reading stories, and translating. You can also create a playlist of YouTube Education where you choose the lessons you want for your students. Most of these resources are free and easily accessible to you and your students. 

If your school does not use a Learning Management System (LMS) such as Canvas or Bright Space, Google Classroom is free and a very easy method for posting and organizing assignments, videos, and announcements. If not Google Classroom, you can create a Google folder to share with all of your students. You can populate the folder with videos, assignments, and directions. 

Students can also post videos of themselves teaching a lesson. Assign each student a word to define for the class. They can draw pictures, write stories, or create a poem to help explain the word. Classmates enjoy learning from each other, so get them involved. At the end of the online vocabulary lessons, you can create a Quizlet for students to show what they learned. 

Other online tools that allow you to create and share with students include: Quizlet, Flip, Kahoot, Tik-Tok, Twitter, WEvideo, and Instagram. You can also have students participate in a discussion post. Find a topic that is interesting to your students and have them respond in writing, with videos, or however they want to express themselves.  Also, a low stakes activity is to have students create a message using specific guidelines. For example, they can write a message about their plans for the weekend in 240 characters. 

Learning online can be difficult, so it is important for teachers to use modeling as much as possible. With modeling, teachers regularly explain their expectations with examples. Along with modeling, repetition of daily routines is also important. Begin each class by reviewing their newest vocabulary, discussing the day’s weather, and the day’s date and day of the week. Maintaining routine and consistency is less stressful for students because they can predict what is going to happen next. 

How to be a Successful Online Student

/ Ritamarie Hensley / Leave a comment
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Leaning online is relatively new for many students. The positive aspects of learning anytime, anywhere also require students to have more responsibility when it comes to their learning goals. Since online learning can be either synchronous or asynchronous, this article will focus on how to successfully maneuver the asynchronous format of remote learning.

Supplies:

Before beginning class, it is important to have the necessary materials needed for learning. Just like a brick and mortar school, teachers want students to have the appropriate supplies for class. Typically, a stable  internet connection and a laptop computer or Chromebook are the optimal tools needed for class. Your instructor may want you to purchase a textbook and a notebook; however, many of the textbooks are now online.  If you do not have a desktop or laptop computer, you can complete assignments on a Smartphone or tablet; however, these are sometimes more difficult to use when completing longer assignments.

Workspace: 

With the proper tools, you must also create a place dedicated to learning. You need a quiet place, free from distractions, where work is completed. This workspace should have all of your supplies, and it should not be used for anything else while you are trying to work. For example, if you are using the kitchen table as your workspace, others in your household should not start eating a meal while you are trying to concentrate.

Work Hours:

With your designated workspace cleared from distractions, you are ready to begin class. With an asynchronous course, you get to decide when you would like to work on assignments. The instructor will still have due dates for assignments, but you can decide what time of day and what days of the week you would like to work. Set a schedule for yourself. Work the same time each day and allow yourself breaks throughout the day (or night). If you spend approximately seven hours each day in a brick and mortar school, you will not need that much time with remote learning. Since brick and mortar schools have several students working within the same space, distractions occur throughout the day. These distractions, class changes, lunch time, and recess are built into the school schedule. However, in an online learning format, you only need to worry about your learning, so the overall amount of time working is reduced.

Communicate:

While you are working, it is important to stay in touch with your instructor and complete assignments in a timely manner. Look through the assignments your teacher has posted for the day or week. If you have questions or technical difficulties, your teacher is there to help you. Send an email with your questions, and your instructor will answer as soon as possible. While you are waiting for answers to your questions, try to troubleshoot yourself or work on another assignment. Spending too much time waiting for responses when you can be working on another task will only cause you to fall behind. You can also ask other students for help. In the beginning of class, find another classmate to help with studying, editing, and answering questions. Be proactive with your learning.

Like all learning, it is up to you to put forth your best effort. Whether you are learning online or through a traditional school, it is up to you to take responsibility for your learning. Although remote learning is new for many, it is an innovative way to help you accomplish your learning goals.