EDC 340 - Online Learning

    

    With the addition of technology in classrooms, there are guidelines in place that teachers should follow that will help guide them through online learning. The article, Distant Learning Do’s and Don’ts by DataWORKS Curriculum dives into the do’s and don’ts of distant learning. The author recommends strategies that are effective for distant learning or virtual classrooms. The do’s mentioned in the article include guiding students through concept development and skill development, having clear learning objectives, communicating consistently through one online tool, and utilizing student feedback on the workload, preferences, and pace. The don’ts of the article involves the following: avoid unstructured lessons, avoid activities with no clear learning objectives, avoid using too many online resources, avoid repetitive activities and homework assignments, and do not use new tools that can lead to technological difficulties until the teacher can efficiently operate them. If teachers apply these strategies, they will overcome complications with technology. The critical aspect is to make sure your students are comfortable using technology in the classroom. 

    Technology is challenging to manage in a class while maintaining a positive learning experience. The article, Teacher Guide to Online Learning by Michigan Virtual thoroughly explains a teacher guide to online learning. The author mentions the online teacher and learning environment with the addition of this statement, “Recognizing these potential sources of friction can help a new and/or seasoned online teacher prepare positive solutions or employ methods to minimize or avoid these pitfalls and create a positive learning experience for everyone” (Michigan Virtua). This displays that teachers should observe whether the pace of instruction, struggles, and maintaining student engagement during lessons are apparent. Another tip that the article includes is organizing your physical workspace to allow for a quiet and private workspace. To arrange your digital space, they suggest that you clear your virtual desktop, move documents to folders, label files appropriately, create shortcuts, and use a calendar to plan for deadlines and priorities. 

    

    To be the best version of yourself at work, you must balance a healthy lifestyle and workload. The article lists some helpful hints; create a manageable work schedule that allows for time spent outside of work, complete the most important tasks first, value personal time just as much as professional time, and have separate contact information to balance your personal with your professional life. Establishing classroom rules and procedures is vital in the classroom setting. Providing structure with students ensures that they can be independent learners in a conducive and safe environment. Another fundamental factor for online teaching is relationship building. The author includes strategies that can foster relationships, such as posting welcome videos, course announcements, teacher contact information, and office hours, providing content in multiple formats, posting supplemental videos, and more. Learning how to communicate can be daunting, but teachers must determine how to effectively use it to avoid the learning environment from being negatively altered. 

    

    Overall, the article goes into more detail about feedback, grading, texting/navigating phone calls, motivating and engaging students. These are all crucial components of the learning process that should be embedded in the curriculum and everyday school life. As an educator, it is vital to ensure that students receive a fair and the best quality education.