10 strategies for online e-learning during a coronavirus outbreak
The outbreak of Coronavirus has led to a major preventive measure of lockdowns across the globe. Due to this, all the sectors are affected and just started to operate with all the hygiene and precautions. Schools, colleges and educational institutes that are closed for many days have started their operation with the help of e-learning. While adjusting to this new normal, they have opted for certain advanced digital tools and platforms to provide uninterrupted learning to all the students. But there are many challenges faced by both students and schools/educational institutes while using the e-learning platforms. During the lockdown these 10 strategies for online e-learning will help.
10 strategies for online e-learning during a coronavirus outbreak
1. Guarantee digital equity:
Digital equity is the most important thing to be taken care of for e-learning continuity. The school or education institution must be sure about the availability of appropriate devices with each student as many families may not have a computer. Due to the lockdowns, even parents would be working from home that requires the use of computers. Hence government and schools must collaborate to ensure that apps work well even on mobile devices without any issue. For students and teachers who do not have an internet connection there could be an efficient plan of creating Wi-fi hotspots and plan well to distribute them.
2. Prepare and practice:
Both teachers and students may not be used to working with such advanced platforms. They need to prepare and practice properly before the actual class so that there is no interruption during the process. They must know the functionality of the platforms and related apps that they will be using in the apps. Teachers will have added responsibility for teaching the students to use the tools along with teaching the regular academics. These learnings could help students to try off the tools and their features at home after the class.
3. Clear communication:
Communication between school management, staff, parents, and students become a key factor than never before. In an online setting, every person will be anxious and it requires a clear communication channel that would be frequent and concise. Along with sending all the FAQ’s, schools should also set up a messaging channel in the form of SMS and emails. It will help in sending follow-up messages on any updates or changes in the process. Have proper communication with the parents of the family about the familiarity of using the online apps for students, especially the younger kids. Administrations need to be very precise in explaining the ways to teachers in maintaining a smooth flow in routine activities.
4. Plan:
If the teachers are unaware of the modern e-learning methodologies and about the latest apps, it is wise to prepare well before starting the actual session with students. The short-term delay in beginning the online classes will be beneficial in the long run. Even if the teachers did not get any time to prepare due to sudden closures, planning for some days before beginning the classes will offer lots of conveniences. Even teachers need to be sure about their at-home availability of internet connectivity and other subject related things essential for accomplishing the e-learning classes.
5. Establish daily schedules.
There must be a well-defined schedule about when the teachers and students will have their specific sessions. A whole day of an online class in front of the screen would be much hectic for students and also parents who are sharing computers or devices. There should be a properly organized schedule that utilizes the day by providing ample breaks in between. It will give time for families to manage their own time and also adhere to the schedule.
6. Monitor for any issues:
Occasionally it could be difficult to predict the obstructions that students may encounter while steering through this new terrain. Monitor the children’s expected schedule throughout a day to ensure that everything is working as expected. If not, act immediately to make necessary changes so that it is helpful and meets the purpose. The focus of e-learning must not be just to convey the learnings but convey them effectively.
7. Engaging learning:
In a regular classroom setting, teachers will provide the worksheets to students and ask them to complete it, correct it, and provide the feedback. But e-learning during these extended periods would not be of the same type and teachers must find engaging methods to make the learning experience interesting and worthy.
Divide the learning into smaller portions and provide all the guidance before the commencement.
Give immediate feedback via online tests, quizzes, and other knowledge check activities.
Encourage students on their tasks to provide motivation.
8. Independent learning.
All the e-learning schedules and learnings must be planned with no expectations of help from the parents. They would be working from home or out on any essential works. The learnings must be designed in such a way that it is independent for students. The schools must be sure to keep all the assignments and schedules in one place so that it would be easier for parents to check when they are at home.
9. Address the emotional stress:
Verify with students and staff, especially those who are less eased with online tools to know if they require any aid. Being seized at home can be tedious and isolating which induces a feeling of emotional stress on the individual. Spending time to know the feeling is very important as the regular academics.
10. Choose the right tools:
There are many tools available for the e-learning process, and it can be confusing to use all of them for your routine. But limiting to certain reliable tools and platforms is beneficial for both parents and teachers.
Bottom line:
In this time of crisis, a well-organized and impactful educational exercise is essential for the continuity of the education process. An experienced and skilled mobile app development company in India like Brill Mindz could aid you in building a successful app that meets all your e-learning requirements.
