Use technology for fast-paced learning

There is so much out of an educator’s control during remote learning sessions, especially the level of distraction permitted into the learner’s environment.  Remote learning works best when the learning is fast-paced.  Fast-paced learning limits downtime, reducing the the amount of time students can distract themselves.  Use the power of technology to keep synchronous time fast paced and learning diverse.  Diversify student activities and learning assessment with available technology

• Use Microsoft Forms to rapidly collect data
• Use Flipgrid to get responses to prompts or engage discussions
• Use OneNote for worksheets, labs, concept maps
• Use Office lens to collect paper and pen or tangible assessments
• Use Assignments to create multiple submissions per session in a singular assignment
• Use Microsoft Sway to create newsletters, student portfolios, and websites
• Use Teams Channels and Meet Now sessions to get students to discuss topics or collaborate on projects

Communicate structured timelines for each session

Effective remote learning demands clear and structured timelines.  In brick and mortar class giving students until midnight or beginning of next class to turn in assessments was common; however, in remote learning this strategy leaves students alone to organize and manage their time.  Organize you synchronous class time to the minute and collect evidence of engagement at set intervals.

• Break your project down to steps and create minute by minute deadlines
• When possible collect a submission for each learning task at a set time
• Use an online timer to keep students attention on timelines
• Keep downtime to a minimum

Include “screen down” activities

Screen time can be exhausting.  Find ways to incorporate screen down activities into your course work. Students can easily convert these items into digital assets for submission using Office Lens or digital cameras.

• Concept Mapping
• Collages
• Written Math
• Popsicle Stick Activities
• Baking/Cooking projects
• Video creation

Bringing it all together

Keeping students engaged remotely is a challenge due to the uncontrolled physical learning environment.  Teachers can mitigate this by creating highly structured remote learning sessions.  Students thrive when they have clear expectations, deadlines, and diverse learning activities.