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In recent years, teachers and students have gradually changed the way they teach and learn. With more options for remote learning, teachers have found instructional practices that work for them and are relatively simple to implement. Below are six practices that have become regular features of fully remote teaching and learning.
6 favorite practices for distance learning
- Pre-recorded videos that teach or review key concepts and skills
By creating 5-10 minute videos, teachers can tailor lessons and differentiate instruction to meet learning needs while still providing “face-to-face” instruction. Students thrive when they can see and hear their teachers. Original videos created by teachers are therefore important.
- Scheduling live video sessions 6-10 times per week
Live, synchronous lessons allow teachers and students to engage with learning materials and each other. During these live sessions (15 minutes to 1 hour depending on grade level and/or subject), students can categorize new points, practice new terms and share their thoughts on different topics. Encourage discussion so students can assimilate new concepts with what they already know.
- Facilitate most live sessions with small groups
Synchronous sessions with smaller groups allow for more interaction, allowing students to get to know each other better. Students can be rearranged into different groups based on activities and learning needs, adding variety to classroom engagement. The goal should be that students have had the opportunity to have everyone in the class work during the school year.
- Assigning self-paced activities for asynchronous learning
Activities can be used to introduce new concepts, skills, flipped learning topics so that students are prepared for the next live class session. Activities can also be assigned as a review, repeat or extension of lessons. Self-paced assignments are especially useful for students with special learning needs such as ELLs who need more language scaffolding.
- Provide regular, weekly feedback on assignments
Consistent feedback helps both teacher and students assess learning progress. Changes in activity completion or lesson understanding can help shape subsequent live sessions. Students will also see what they need additional help with and can request additional help.
- Have a weekly live session with the whole class
Many teachers used a weekly whole-class session to review content learned during the week, as well as to nurture relationships with the whole class. Weekly whole-class sessions can be used for show and tell, fun learning games, and to recognize students who have made exceptional efforts during the week (writing samples, feedback, video homework, etc.) . Allow time for students to bond in breakout rooms, giving each small group a discussion topic to get the ball rolling.
There are an abundance of educational technology solutions on the market, and it can be difficult to research, try, and select a solution that teachers and students are comfortable with. The winner MimioConnect® Blended learning platform has helped many teachers and students navigate distance education successfully, with easy-to-use lesson creation and presentation tools that enhance the active learning environment. How can Mimio Connect improve distance learning?
MimioConnect blended learning platform
- Illustrate concepts and highlight key information with whiteboard tools
During synchronous live learning sessions, use whiteboard tools to annotate important terms, identify main points, and outline critical steps for a solution. Students can add annotations for richer discussions.
- Communicate with students via video or private messaging tool
With built-in video conferencing, teachers and students can engage in face-to-face conversations that can help strengthen class relationships. For students who gain confidence, private messaging features allow them to ask questions or make comments that the teacher can address to the whole group or privately.
- Stimulate active learning with favorite lessons and materials
Import PDF files, PowerPoint® presentations, interactive lessons created with SMART Notebook, ActivInspire or MimioStudio™, or create original lessons using images, videos, audio, and more. Add questions (multiple choice, multiple marks, sequencing, true or false, etc.) and interactive tasks such as labeling and sorting to boost student engagement and participation in lessons.
- Assign activities for asynchronous learning
Activities and lessons can also be assigned to students before or after live sessions. Enhance differentiated instruction by selecting original lessons or from the MimioConnect lesson library. The lesson library offers thousands of lessons and activities aligned to standards in reading, math, and science.
- Track learning progress and identify needs
Review student progress in real time or after activity completion, including time spent on a question or activity, to identify areas for improvement. Schedule individual or small group remedial or review sessions during office hours to prevent students from falling behind. Create and share reports that can be used to help shape individual student learning goals and objectives.
MimioConnect can do so much more, but as we all know, using it, experiencing its simplicity, and seeing how students engage with lessons and activities contributes more to technology decision-making. educational. We are approaching a year of significant change in the way we think about course delivery and student learning. MimioConnect is a solution to consider now that will certainly improve teaching and learning in the future.
To learn more about MimioConnect and/or request a demo, visit https://boxlight.com/products/apps-for-the-classroom/mimioconnect-blended-learning-platform.
To listen to a podcast explaining how MimioConnect can be used from anywhere, anytime, click here and scroll down to We’re teaching everywhere these days…
Boxlight offers a variety of teaching and learning solutions for any classroom environment – in-class, remote and hybrid. To find out more, visit boxlight.com.