Engaging Students During Remote Learning

The talk of remote learning is now synonymous with Online learning. Meanwhile, there are several other learning methods that does not involve direct physical relationship between the Educator and learner. Whatever tool is used, be it books or laptops; it is still remote learning  But prior to the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown, remote learning was in practice via correspondence studies, online studies and distance learning. And we can point out that during the lockdown period, along with digital tools, radio and television were optimized.

Ever since, remote learning has become the new normal in the education industry.

While this new development was a safe substitute for learning, it was not without challenges. In a "...UNICEF data on the potential reach of remote learning policies, it was found that 31 per cent of school-age children cannot be reached by remote learning policies, mainly due to the lack of access to radio, television, or the internet as well as a lack of supportive remote learning policies'. (https://data.unicef.org/topic/education/remote-learning-and-digital-connectivity/)

Also as a primary challenge, Educators find it difficult to steer the attention of their learners from distractions in their immediate surroundings. Classroom control is impossible under such circumstances, and this puts a question mark to the effectiveness of remote learning.

With focus on online learning, Engaging students during remote learning can be challenging, but there are several strategies you can use to promote active participation and maintain their interest. Here are some effective ways to engage students during remote learning:

1. Utilizing the Interactive features in Online Platforms: Features like breakout rooms, chat functions, and virtual whiteboards facilitate engagement and interaction between students and teachers. They allow students to collaborate and participate actively. Asking students to respond using the Chat box or Using the screen share feature on Zoom, Google Meet, or Microsoft Teams provide such features.
2. Varied Instructional Methods: Incorporate a mix of instructional methods to cater to different learning styles. Use a combination of live video sessions, pre-recorded videos, interactive presentations, online quizzes, and discussion forums to keep students engaged and provide them with different ways to interact with the material.
3. Clear Communication: Maintain clear and consistent communication with your students. Provide detailed instructions, objectives, and expectations for each lesson. Make sure to be available for questions and provide timely feedback to keep students motivated and on track.
4. Collaborative Activities: Foster collaboration and peer interaction by assigning group projects or discussions. Utilize breakout rooms during live sessions to facilitate small-group work. Encourage students to communicate and collaborate through online platforms, such as discussion boards or shared documents.
5. Use Multimedia and Visuals: Incorporate multimedia elements, such as images, videos, and infographics, to make your lessons more visually appealing and engaging. This can help break the monotony of online learning and capture students' attention.
6. Gamification: Gamify your lessons by using educational games, quizzes, or interactive activities. This can make learning more enjoyable and motivate students to actively participate. Platforms like Kahoot, Quizlet, or educational apps offer a range of interactive and gamified learning experiences.
7. Real-World Connections: Make connections between the course material and real-world examples to enhance relevance and engagement. Discuss current events, case studies, or practical applications of the concepts being taught. Encourage students to share their own experiences and perspectives.
8. Active Learning Strategies: Incorporate active learning strategies that require students to participate actively rather than passively consume information. This can include activities like virtual experiments, role-plays, simulations, debates, or problem-solving exercises.
9. Personalize Learning: Provide opportunities for students to personalize their learning experience. Offer choices in assignments, projects, or topics, allowing students to pursue their interests and engage more deeply with the content.
10. Social and Emotional Support: Acknowledge the challenges students may face during remote learning and provide social and emotional support. Create a positive and inclusive online environment where students feel comfortable expressing themselves and sharing their thoughts.

Remember that building a sense of community and maintaining student-teacher relationships are crucial for engagement during remote learning. Encourage open communication, provide opportunities for interaction, and create a supportive virtual classroom environment.