EdTech Feature: Setting Students up for Success in an Online Environment

With K-12 and post-secondary schools across the nation shuttering due to COVID-19, teachers, students, and families are getting a crash course in 21st century skills as online learning attempts to fill the void of face-to-face classes. In that spirit, here are just a few tips to get the most out of an online learning experience (note: this post assumes some level of access to technology at home, which is a whole other subject for discussion).

For Students and Families

Basic tech requirements: A computer, laptop, or netbook, internet connectivity, etc. Here is an example of a boilerplate list of requirements. Most colleges, universities, and K-12 schools would say something similar. If you don’t have computer or internet access, check with your school or other local community resources. Alternative options may be available.
Set aside a time and place for learning.
- Create a family schedule for computer use to complete online reading and assignments. Try to get into a routine and stick to it. Try to log in and engage with classes at least once every day.
- The learning environment:
  - Should be set up per your learning needs. Do you learn best in total, quiet isolation? While you are listening to music? Set up a dedicated, private place that meets those needs.
  - Is for learning, not for sleeping, gaming, social media use, etc. Don’t send mixed messages to your brain by trying to do 50 other things in the place you have set aside for schoolwork.
  - Should be well-lit and well-supplied. Keep paper, writing utensils, and other supplies close at hand in your learning space.
Be proactive in completing work and communicating with teachers.
- “Front load” by working ahead. That way, you’ll have time to reach out to your teacher for clarification, to make revisions, to collaborate online with fellow students, and more. Give yourself the gift of time - front load relentlessly.
- Working online is hard, because it’s so easy to become avoidant of the work. Being proactive means scheduling and working on things ahead of time, refusing to avoid the reading and other work that needs to get done.

For Teachers

Here is a post from Arizona State University that sums up the main points of how to be successful when teaching online (these posts are pretty similar across the internet and apply to nearly all grade levels). Key takeaways from this and other sources:

Participate in the class, but don’t overwhelm students or squelch discussion by trying to respond to every comment or giving the impression that you are always online.
Lay out a clear schedule and expectations (calendar, due dates, participation, etc.)
Provide feedback (especially on any assessments) in a timely and substantive manner.
Create online lessons that are engaging and purposeful.

Coronavirus is challenging our society in unique ways. Fortunately, we have technological capabilities that previous generations could only dream of. This crisis could be an opportunity for more teachers and students to see how online learning can supplement and enhance the brick and mortar classroom experience. Perhaps we will emerge from this “extended spring break” period more prepared than ever for 21st century learning and skills.