While distance learning was once a foreign concept to many, the events of 2020 have forced both teachers and learners alike to embrace it.
COVID-19 has had a significant impact on the education sector as a whole, propelling it towards technology adoption at a quicker rate than ever before.
The trend towards distance learning has continued on into 2021, and while it is no longer a strange, new concept in the educational landscape, it still poses significant challenges for educators.
The biggest challenge and top priority of teachers being to keep students engaged during lessons.
The following are some of the ways to overcome this:
1. Get tech-ready for teaching
Most distance learning issues start with technical difficulties, and when teachers have to take the time to fix technical issues, they run the risk of losing their students’ attention.
By putting some extra work into organising technology before the class, teachers can eliminate this problem.
This means ensuring you have adequate internet access, a clear video camera with good audio settings and any digital files that will be used during the lesson, such as presentations and videos appropriately managed and stored in the cloud.
2. Keep camera turned on throughout the duration of the class
In order to keep students engaged, it’s important for them to feel like their teacher is there. When it comes to distance learning, this is best done through video.
In addition, when students have their video on, it is easier for the teacher to determine whether they are paying attention or not by seeing their reactions and reading their body language.
3. Give useful feedback
Students can often feel detached when interacting with their teachers during online learning as they experience less informal engagement with their teachers or peers.
You can overcome this through frequent communication – apart from reminding them that they are accountable of their work, don’t forget to give compliments or have a little chitchat you’d probably do when in physical classrooms.
4. Create a Social Communication Space
Studies have shown that students who are part of a learning community are five times more engaged. Students thrive when they are part of a group, so it’s important that they have the opportunity to share notes, ask questions, and keep each other accountable for assignments and projects.
You can do this by creating a moderated learning community – be it in Facebook groups or any platforms that students are highly active.
Another way to do this is using myViewBoard Classrooms. Just as in a physical classroom, myViewBoard allows for group discussion with the Huddles features.
The teacher can switch from the default discussion with the whole class into group discussions in each huddle. Teachers can drag and drop students in a huddle, set a timer for discussion, and even join their discussion.
5. Mix Up Your Lesson Presentation
Change up your teaching methods to keep distance learning fun and light. Technology can be used to create original activities like learning games from myViewBoard.
Instead of simply showing online videos, increase engagement by gamifying the experience, for example, by adding a pop quiz in the middle of the video. Keep a leaderboard to really get students excited and don’t forget to give them a prize!
Conclusion
Distance learning is the way of the future. Educators who have measures in place to deliver these solutions effectively are best positioned to help their students succeed.
Find out more about ViewSonic’s remote learning solutions and how they can benefit both you and your students today.
Want to learn more about Distance Learning? Read more here: How to Maintain Student Engagement During Distance Learning | ViewSonic Library.
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