How to Get the Most Out of Virtual Learning
It has been over a year since virtual learning became the primary form of education across the globe. Like with all things, there are pros and cons to virtual learning, and it is likely not going away! The question many parents, teachers, and students are still asking themselves as they have struggled to settle into this new normal is, “how can we make virtual learning more effective?” As schools reopen and families transition between in-person, virtual and hybrid models of learning, here are some study tips and tricks on how to improve students’ remote learning experience, while balancing the ever-changing landscape of their education today.
Improve your Zoom Connection
One of the many factors virtual learning is dependent on is technology. Not every family can afford quality internet connection and devices. A choppy connection can leave a student behind their classmates which can make the learning process all the more frustrating. However, there are ways in which students can have a great virtual learning experience even without the latest gadgets. One way to do so is by learning and mastering the functionalities of Zoom. Zoom has a few tips that allow students to make their video calls much more stable and reliable.
- Mute microphone: Zoom will devote part of the internet connection to audio streaming capabilities when left unmute, even if the student isn’t talking. However, if they mute themselves during the call, Zoom will stop using the connection for audio and dedicate its bandwidth elsewhere.
- Turn off video: Video calling is a major strain on internet connection. Students should ask their teachers first if it is okay to close their video during lessons due to having unstable internet connection.
- Close unnecessary applications: Applications that are running on a student’s computer can hinder its performance. Netflix, Facebook, Spotify or any other app should be closed to ensure a better connection on Zoom.
Have a Routine
Building good habits can only be done with repetition. Having a routine helps students be more productive, reduces stress, and gives them an opportunity to be more in control of their situation. By planning out their day, students develop time management skills, leading to less procrastination, fewer deadlines missed, and a better night’s sleep. By planning ahead and sticking to a routine, not only will students perform better, but they won’t have that unwanted worry and stress of ‘if I had only started sooner.’ A good routine focuses not only on school-work, but should also introduce moments of self-care as well.
Students can create a personal schedule that suits their needs. A few tips for what to schedule each day:
- Wake up & bed time
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Study time
- All-important breaks!
Where possible, parents can create a routine that allows for outdoor activities like P.E. or recess, as studies show that exercise leads to better learning retention in the brain by preventing shrinkage to the hippocampus.
Create a Comfortable, Productive Learning Environment
Along with having a routine, students and parents should aim to create a learning environment separate from their living space, where they can work and be productive. Televisions, smartphones, and other family members can provide distractions. If possible, set aside a space that will allow them to focus on schoolwork and stick to the same place every day. This will not only allow for students to focus, but when the school day is over, it also provides other places in the home where they can disconnect.
A few tips for the ideal learning environment:
- Sit at a desk or table with a chair that stabilizes good posture
- Have a little fun! Place some snacks around the desk or have a speaker that plays music on low volume
- Open a window and let in some fresh air
- Smartphones can be around, but try to place them out of arm’s reach
Give Support (Emotional & Academic)
Virtual learning can be overwhelming for both students and parents. School has been a place where students can learn while surrounded by their peers, friends, teachers and faculty. Sadly, interacting with a screen just isn’t the same. It’s common for students to lack motivation, lack focus, or to feel stressed and depressed.
Parents and teachers can provide help to students who are experiencing this. One tip: get into a habit of checking in every evening or once a week. A few questions to ask:
- How are you feeling today?
- What made you feel motivated?
- What made you feel demotivated?
- What was a highlight to your week?
- What are you grateful for?
Actively listening and engaging with students not only shows them they are not alone, but fosters an environment that is open and caring. Tutors, teachers and parents can all play an integral part in a student’s social-emotional learning. They can provide students with a framework to improve mental health by reducing stress or depression, as well as develop healthy self-esteem.
Many teachers, students and families have made great strides in virtual learning and how to get the most out of it. However, the challenge remains in finding balance both academically and emotionally as schools reopen and students and teachers transition between virtual, in-person classes or hybrid models. Hopefully these tips make the experience more productive, more balanced and ultimately more successful.
Written By: Irfan Jeddy
