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The whole world is in a state of conflict because of the current COVID-19 pandemic. This uncertainty and speculation surrounding COVID-19 have led academic/educational institutions to move learning to the digital domain. Both teachers and pupils are worried about moving to virtual classrooms. The digital world is a completely new environment and it will take time for people to get used to it. Moreover, the e-learning process becomes less effective than learning in a physical classroom. But by using certain strategies, students can continue to learn without interruption. Some of these strategies:
Technical assistance
To start learning online, you must have the technology to participate in e-learning. You need a smart device that can connect to the Internet to help you with e-learning tasks. Contact Etutorworld for e-learning services to understand the technical requirements of the course. Then make sure you have full access to the resources you need for the course. In this way, you can overcome barriers at home to follow the curriculum and your learning process will not be affected.
Follow diagram
Living a disciplined life helps to maintain a rigorous curriculum. E-learning possibilities offer more flexibility, but that doesn’t mean that we become undisciplined. Sleeping late, waking up late, ignoring appointments, etc. brings you into a vicious circle of laziness. To follow the online course, follow the week and day program. Determine the deadlines for the studies, set the timetables for the projects, and allow time for an independent study. Strictly follow them so that the flexibility of an online course is not at the expense of your learning process.
Stay away from social media
Social media is the biggest distraction you can get addicted to during a lockdown. The various application messages that appear on your smart device draw your attention to an unimportant point. Surf on social media such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, etc. – is addictive and you don’t even realize how much time you spend there. Watching films or television programs in public is another big distraction that will make you forget your studies. Turn off or disable alerts on your smart device to reduce distractions during learning. If possible, keep your intelligent device away during the study period so that you can concentrate on the concepts.
Create your learning space
To complete the online course for which you have enrolled, you need to concentrate and study for a few hours. So you need to create a well-defined and organized space for participation and learning. Make sure the learning space is away from distractions such as your bed, entertainment equipment, etc. Equip this study area with study materials and other essential things to complete the course. Even if the classroom is online, visit it from the study instead of lying on the bed or sitting in the living room.
Fairy tale
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Storytelling is the most effective means of learning in a virtual environment. Stories allow students to explicitly connect with content or concept. The involvement of students increases when they are enthusiastic about listening to stories. Intentionally include stories in your teaching materials and share them with the class. Explain the concepts to the students using real-life stories and experiences to get their attention. Students will have a great learning experience when the narrative method is applied.
Assistance to extraordinary students
Each student has a different learning pace. Some students learn quickly, while others struggle. But by understanding the student’s communication and interaction quotient in the classroom, you can recognize it. Talk to these students privately to dispel their doubts, because they may need greater involvement. Check their progress regularly and make sure they have what they need. Your goal should be to help students by becoming their mentor.
Teaching only from screen
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Most students will attend screen-only courses for the first time. Lack of personal contact with teachers and classmates can make them feel lonely and isolated. To keep the connection active while setting up an online session, a separate chat session is required. This can be by e-mail, chat or video call. Open discussions with students to build a community where students can express themselves. You can also keep in personal contact with the students to answer their questions and concerns. In a nutshell: Make students feel comfortable in your online courses.
Good audio and video quality
If you are an instructor giving an online course, make sure that your students can see or hear you clearly. Don’t let poor lighting spoil your curiosity. Keep the light pattern in front of your face during class. If possible, sit by the classroom window during the day and let the sun work for you. Students will feed on your energy, and poor lighting can reduce involvement.
Poor sound can discourage participants from participating in an online session because they cannot hear anything. To reduce external noise, headphones with a microphone should be used. Try to perform the activity in as quiet a place in your home as possible and turn off any audio alerts on your computer or smartphone.
Use of technology
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Technology can help you to teach and learn in an effective and engaging way. Tools such as discussion forums, blogs, YouTube videos, wikis, etc. are effective in explaining these concepts to students. Since you are teaching in a virtual environment, using these tools should not be a problem. The learning experience and involvement of students will improve once you start using digital tools to teach concepts. Since e-learning is also new to students, gives them the opportunity to use these tools when doing homework and projects. The more comfortable they feel, the easier it is for them to adapt to virtual learning.
Despite the difficult times, we all go through, you remain positive and encourage your student or child to make the transition to digital learning. Support them at all times to help students learn the material and develop virtual skills.
