Online Learning
Adapting to a new educational environment during COVID-19.
Due to the Coronavirus pandemic, students have to adapt to online learning. Some students have not taken an online class before. Parents and students will have questions in regards to this new learning environment. These questions will help ease the parent and student.
How do you navigate through an online learning system? A Learning Management System (LMS) is an online software where schools can learn in a remote environment. Documents, marks, and other critical information can be acquired online through a smartphone, and other electronic devices. Features like forums, chats, quizzes, and tests are available on the learning system. Your classes will be set up differently despite being hosted on the same learning system. For instance, your history class can use the quiz portal, whereas, your science class consists of uploading assignments through a document manager. No matter which class the teacher does they will have to decide how they want the assignments submitted.
Will seminars be mandatory and how will they work? Due to this pandemic, students won't be able to attend their classes physically at a time. Teachers have the responsibility to develop lectures that will get their students' attention. There are two ways that a teacher can teach their students. One is through online recording learning and, the other is video learning platforms such as Zoom. Online recording learning consists of teachers recording lectures. Students can not ask the teacher questions. However, they can listen to the recording a number of times. If a teacher teaches on Zoom, they will be able to teach the students online. Students can ask questions, but the downside is you might have some students that have trouble focusing. Students are required to complete the material within a specific time frame.
How can I submit assignments? It depends. Courses such as math, history, and English will require you to take tests, quizzes, and assignments. You can easily submit this information to the LMS System. However, if your class is art, it will be tough to transition virtually. In these instances, students will have to take a picture of poster presentations, and submit it to their teacher. You will have to follow the submission requirements requested by your teacher.
How will exams be taken? Most schools will allow students to take quizzes and tests through the LMS. Teachers will set a time and date to complete the assignments. If schools don't have an LMS, the teachers will have students take the tests, take a photo of the completed test, and submit the assignment to the teacher. Students have to submit their assignments on time!
How will I get my grades? If your school is using an LMS, students and parents can access grades. You can track the student's performance based on assignments submitted throughout the class. During this pandemic, you should contact the school in regards to the grading policies.
Now that we've answered your questions, we will give you tips to make online learning as easy as possible.
Browse the internet, log in to your email, and also access learning applications such as Google Drive. Look at the school's website. Schools will post links that consist of online learning activities, assignments, and gateways to submit assignments. Contact tech support if you need assistance from home.
Students need to understand that the teachers and staff are going through the same struggles just as they are. If a teacher forgets to upload an assignment or submit a grade, students should ask questions but be understandable.
Students have to take on multiple responsibilities such as taking care of siblings, or being in charge of the house when their parents are at work. Contact your teacher through e-mail or a virtual chat if you have questions so that you don't fall behind.
Try a variety of study habits. Taking online classes from home doesn't mean that you should study offline. You want to give your eyes a rest after staring at a screen for a good number of hours. Alternative study options can consist of creating and reviewing paper flashcards or quiz your classmates virtually through Zoom. Whatever method you use will help you avoid burnout.
Seek online distance learning resources. Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, teachers and organizations from all over the country are assisting students, families, and teachers with resources that will get them through this school year. Here is a list of resources from the California Department of Education that will assist students and parents during this tough time. Ask the teachers if you have questions regarding a specific resource.
Connect with classmates through various online tools. Self-quarantining yourself can cause a person to become bored. As you start studying from home, feel free to contact your friends virtually. Set up a conference with one of your classmates from Zoom, Skype, or WeChat. Review assignments, or talk on a group chat. Keeping in touch with your classmates' will lift their spirits during this tough time.
Teachers, parents, and students should continue to support each other during this unforeseen time. Adapting to a new learning environment is challenging, but the finish line will be at the end of the tunnel!
