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December 14, 2021
Discover strategies for effective remote learning. Enhance student engagement, adapt traditional approaches, and overcome challenges in distance education.
Main, P (2021, December 14). Remote learning in schools. Retrieved from https://www.structural-learning.com/post/remote-learning-in-schools
Remote Learning takes place when the student and teacher, or source of information, are at a distance and do not meet in a traditional educational setting. In 2020, this concept became forced upon schools around the world as they tried to navigate their way through the education disruption caused by the Covid-19 impact. Curriculum content when online overnight and contact with pupils was facilitated through zoom. Many deprived schools were unprepared for delivering classwork to students. Most education institutions had to facilitate the distribution of devices to pupils in a very short space of time. Without a contingency plan, headteachers had to think on their feet.
After a steep learning curve, most schools now have the educational technologies they need to deliver the daily instruction for a comprehensive educational curriculum. In this article, we take a satellite view of the different approaches in schools to the curriculum alignment of educational material when facilitating online learning. Whether you work in a private school or a state-funded institution, we hope you find some insightful new perspectives in this article.
Technology plays a huge role in education today. From tablets and smartphones to virtual reality headsets and online courses, students are increasingly turning to digital learning resources to supplement traditional classroom instruction. But while technology offers tremendous opportunities for educators, it also presents challenges. One challenge is ensuring that students who participate in remote learning programs are able to achieve similar educational outcomes as their peers who attend school face-to-face.
To address this issue, researchers at Stanford University developed a platform called Project Zero. The project aims to create a system that allows teachers to monitor student progress remotely. The system uses artificial intelligence to analyze data collected via sensors placed inside each student's backpack.
Remote teaching is generally provided via digital technology (video conference, email, audio bridge, discussion boards) so there is no need for students' or teachers' physical presence unlike the traditional classroom environment (or else, it would be called Blended Learning). Remote learning can be used to deliver synchronous or asynchronous education. Remote learning is also called Remote Training, Flexible Learning, or Distance Education.
In some cases, remote learning environments prove to be a better option than in-person learning. For example, when it is difficult to accommodate a larger class size. Also, when traditional learning isn't possible due to any illness, the geographic gap between the student(s) and teacher, scheduling conflicts, and/or school closure due to any crucial disrupting events, like the covid-19 outbreak.
The typical structure of remote learning varies between school districts, but it usually revolves around an online learning homebase or learning management software such as Google Classroom which is used by the teachers to share information, feedback, assignments, news and more. It is crucial that after providing the necessary professional development to the teachers, schools must select an easy to use and reliable learning management system. As well as the technological solutions, school systems will need to have in-depth conversations about curriculum objectives and online behaviour management.
During distance learning, learners log in to a specific learning management system (for example Showbie). These platforms are used to contact the teacher, access the course content and support material, check their grades and connect with classmates. Generally, instructors post daily or weekly assignments which students have to complete. Schools and teachers send a how-to guide to prevent students and parents from getting caught up in distant learning challenges. The how-to guide contains details of logging into and using the learning app and software.
Each district or county and teacher would want learners to remain online for a specific amount of time. These timing can vary from school to school. A lot of schools use Skype meetings or zoom lectures to uphold a personal connection and to deliver live teaching alongside the general coursework. Remote learning is considered a relative loosely-structured and flexible teaching strategy, but it all revolves around an effective learning management system.
Students complete their daily or weekly tasks posted on the digital education platform; instructors check the work, and then the teacher provides feedback to each student using the online platform. Although the main structure of remote learning is quite simple i.e. login, complete task, evaluation; but the variety of ways and apps used for online distance learning, makes it fairly easy to bring flexibility and innovation.
The classroom curriculum is usually taken online through necessity. However, in more stable times there are still clear advantages of Distance Learning that include the following:
The following outline some of the considerations when designing your distance learning provision.
In the 21st century, a primary objective of education is to develop a deeper understanding of content while creating, synthesizing, and assessing information from a wide variety of sources and subjects and with respect and knowledge of diverse cultures. The above discussion shows that remote learning has more advantages than disadvantages but pedagogical considerations have to be carefully thought through.
A successful remote learning agenda involves adequate investment and is not possible in the absence of appropriate school resources. As well as thinking about the technical resources such as internet access and educational technologies, school leaders need to also think about the philosophical values associated with online delivery. An online environment can never replace the nurturing experience of school but with adequate access, it can keep learners connected to the classroom curriculum.
1. What is remote learning and how does it differ from traditional schooling?
Remote learning, also known as Distance Education, is a learning model where students and teachers are physically separated and education takes place through online learning platforms.
Unlike traditional schools where learning happens in a physical classroom, remote learning can occur anywhere with an internet connection.
2. What are the challenges faced by school learners in deprived schools when it comes to remote learning?
School learners in deprived schools may face several challenges with remote learning. These can include limited access to technology, lack of a quiet space for learning, and limited support at home. It's important for school staff to be aware of these challenges and seek to provide support where possible.
3. What guidance is available for schools transitioning to remote education?
There is a wealth of guidance available for schools transitioning to remote education. This includes advice on choosing and using online learning platforms, supporting individual pupils, and maintaining communication between class teachers and students.
Schools are encouraged to seek out and follow this guidance to ensure a smooth transition.
4. What is asynchronous education and how does it fit into remote learning?
Asynchronous education is a form of remote learning where teaching materials are provided online and students can access them at their own pace.
This approach can be particularly useful in remote education as it allows for flexibility and can accommodate individual pupils' schedules and learning needs.
5. How can traditional approaches in schools be adapted for remote learning?
Many traditional approaches in schools can be adapted for remote learning. For example, lessons can be delivered via video, discussions can take place in online forums, and assignments can be submitted electronically.
The key is to maintain the core elements of effective teaching and learning, while adapting to the unique context of remote education.
Remote Learning takes place when the student and teacher, or source of information, are at a distance and do not meet in a traditional educational setting. In 2020, this concept became forced upon schools around the world as they tried to navigate their way through the education disruption caused by the Covid-19 impact. Curriculum content when online overnight and contact with pupils was facilitated through zoom. Many deprived schools were unprepared for delivering classwork to students. Most education institutions had to facilitate the distribution of devices to pupils in a very short space of time. Without a contingency plan, headteachers had to think on their feet.
After a steep learning curve, most schools now have the educational technologies they need to deliver the daily instruction for a comprehensive educational curriculum. In this article, we take a satellite view of the different approaches in schools to the curriculum alignment of educational material when facilitating online learning. Whether you work in a private school or a state-funded institution, we hope you find some insightful new perspectives in this article.
Technology plays a huge role in education today. From tablets and smartphones to virtual reality headsets and online courses, students are increasingly turning to digital learning resources to supplement traditional classroom instruction. But while technology offers tremendous opportunities for educators, it also presents challenges. One challenge is ensuring that students who participate in remote learning programs are able to achieve similar educational outcomes as their peers who attend school face-to-face.
To address this issue, researchers at Stanford University developed a platform called Project Zero. The project aims to create a system that allows teachers to monitor student progress remotely. The system uses artificial intelligence to analyze data collected via sensors placed inside each student's backpack.
Remote teaching is generally provided via digital technology (video conference, email, audio bridge, discussion boards) so there is no need for students' or teachers' physical presence unlike the traditional classroom environment (or else, it would be called Blended Learning). Remote learning can be used to deliver synchronous or asynchronous education. Remote learning is also called Remote Training, Flexible Learning, or Distance Education.
In some cases, remote learning environments prove to be a better option than in-person learning. For example, when it is difficult to accommodate a larger class size. Also, when traditional learning isn't possible due to any illness, the geographic gap between the student(s) and teacher, scheduling conflicts, and/or school closure due to any crucial disrupting events, like the covid-19 outbreak.
The typical structure of remote learning varies between school districts, but it usually revolves around an online learning homebase or learning management software such as Google Classroom which is used by the teachers to share information, feedback, assignments, news and more. It is crucial that after providing the necessary professional development to the teachers, schools must select an easy to use and reliable learning management system. As well as the technological solutions, school systems will need to have in-depth conversations about curriculum objectives and online behaviour management.
During distance learning, learners log in to a specific learning management system (for example Showbie). These platforms are used to contact the teacher, access the course content and support material, check their grades and connect with classmates. Generally, instructors post daily or weekly assignments which students have to complete. Schools and teachers send a how-to guide to prevent students and parents from getting caught up in distant learning challenges. The how-to guide contains details of logging into and using the learning app and software.
Each district or county and teacher would want learners to remain online for a specific amount of time. These timing can vary from school to school. A lot of schools use Skype meetings or zoom lectures to uphold a personal connection and to deliver live teaching alongside the general coursework. Remote learning is considered a relative loosely-structured and flexible teaching strategy, but it all revolves around an effective learning management system.
Students complete their daily or weekly tasks posted on the digital education platform; instructors check the work, and then the teacher provides feedback to each student using the online platform. Although the main structure of remote learning is quite simple i.e. login, complete task, evaluation; but the variety of ways and apps used for online distance learning, makes it fairly easy to bring flexibility and innovation.
The classroom curriculum is usually taken online through necessity. However, in more stable times there are still clear advantages of Distance Learning that include the following:
The following outline some of the considerations when designing your distance learning provision.
In the 21st century, a primary objective of education is to develop a deeper understanding of content while creating, synthesizing, and assessing information from a wide variety of sources and subjects and with respect and knowledge of diverse cultures. The above discussion shows that remote learning has more advantages than disadvantages but pedagogical considerations have to be carefully thought through.
A successful remote learning agenda involves adequate investment and is not possible in the absence of appropriate school resources. As well as thinking about the technical resources such as internet access and educational technologies, school leaders need to also think about the philosophical values associated with online delivery. An online environment can never replace the nurturing experience of school but with adequate access, it can keep learners connected to the classroom curriculum.
1. What is remote learning and how does it differ from traditional schooling?
Remote learning, also known as Distance Education, is a learning model where students and teachers are physically separated and education takes place through online learning platforms.
Unlike traditional schools where learning happens in a physical classroom, remote learning can occur anywhere with an internet connection.
2. What are the challenges faced by school learners in deprived schools when it comes to remote learning?
School learners in deprived schools may face several challenges with remote learning. These can include limited access to technology, lack of a quiet space for learning, and limited support at home. It's important for school staff to be aware of these challenges and seek to provide support where possible.
3. What guidance is available for schools transitioning to remote education?
There is a wealth of guidance available for schools transitioning to remote education. This includes advice on choosing and using online learning platforms, supporting individual pupils, and maintaining communication between class teachers and students.
Schools are encouraged to seek out and follow this guidance to ensure a smooth transition.
4. What is asynchronous education and how does it fit into remote learning?
Asynchronous education is a form of remote learning where teaching materials are provided online and students can access them at their own pace.
This approach can be particularly useful in remote education as it allows for flexibility and can accommodate individual pupils' schedules and learning needs.
5. How can traditional approaches in schools be adapted for remote learning?
Many traditional approaches in schools can be adapted for remote learning. For example, lessons can be delivered via video, discussions can take place in online forums, and assignments can be submitted electronically.
The key is to maintain the core elements of effective teaching and learning, while adapting to the unique context of remote education.
