Technology continues to shape the way we live and learn. With so many online courses and resources available, there’s no better time to get students excited about learning.
At Promethean, we believe in the power of virtual learning, and we’re committed to providing the best experience to students, teachers, administrators, and IT directors alike. Read our four tips for virtual learning below.
1. Provide relevant technology
You’ll need a computer with video and audio capabilities and a stable internet connection. The keyword here is “stable” – you might consider upgrading to a fiber network if your school’s internet connection has acted up in the past.
You should also ensure that your apps and software are up to date, and that you have adequate storage space for materials.
Of course, one of the most important instructional tools is the interactive whiteboard.
Interactive whiteboards (also called interactive displays) are a great way to engage with students. They allow you to share your screen, work together on projects, and more.
Promethean created the ActivPanel, an interactive display specifically designed for virtual learning. It’s perfect for classrooms with students of all ages and abilities.
2. Establish a routine
One of the best ways to get the most out of your virtual learning experience is to establish a routine.
Routines give students structure, which is crucial when they’re learning from home and probably in their pajamas all day. Try your best to take attendance at the same time each day. (It’s recommended that you have all students turn their cameras on during attendance so you can make sure they’re actually on the computer.)
You can also set aside specific times for students to engage in “extracurricular study.” This could be reading time, in-class homework time, or even an opportunity for students to venture into their neighborhood (while supervised) and find an “artifact” for show-and-tell.
3. Set measurable goals
One of the best ways to stay motivated and on track while learning virtually is to set measurable goals.
A great way to measure progress is to keep a learning journal (don’t forget to add to it every day!) In the journal you can track goals and steps taken toward them. Have your students keep a learning journal as well to help them stay motivated and on track.
On the topic of learning journals, it can be fun for students to write down their “likes” and “challenges” of the day or week. For example, a student can record in their journal something they thought was very interesting, or something that was challenging for them to grasp. This list of fun and interesting topics can help your student come up with ideas for future projects, essays, and more. It will also give you a good idea of how individual students learn best.
4. Help your students connect
One of the challenges of virtual learning is that students can often feel isolated. This is why it is important for educators to find ways to help their students connect with each other.
One way to do this is by using online platforms such as discussion boards, chat rooms, or social media. These tools allow students to share ideas, ask questions, and connect with each other.
Students can also connect by using collaborative tools such as Google Docs. These tools allow students to work together on projects, share resources, and more.
With ActivPanel, educators can use the built-in tools to create collaborative classrooms.
Virtual learning challenges
Our tips for virtual learning are chosen to address some of the common challenges. Keep an eye out for these additional barriers to effective distance learning and employ the tips above to stay ahead of them.
- Adjusting to new technology
- Resolving technical issues
- Getting distracted or losing motivation
- Isolation, or not knowing who or how to ask for further instruction
- Misunderstanding or incomplete instructions
Virtual learning with an interactive whiteboard
Technology has made it possible for students to learn in ways that were once unimaginable.
One of the most effective tools for virtual learning is an interactive whiteboard. An interactive whiteboard allows students to share their screens, work together on projects, and more.
With an interactive whiteboard, you can:
- Share screens and lessons simultaneously between teacher and students
- Allow students to work together on projects
- Use digital tools to create a collaborative classroom
- Access a variety of resources online
- Take advantage of assessment tools & apps
If you are looking for an effective tool for virtual learning, an interactive whiteboard is the answer. Interested in learning more? Request a FREE live demo from Promethean today!