We are experiencing a critical time for online learning, and that can be described as just a sensational understatement. The pandemic was a complete surprise to everyone – to say nothing of the immense impacts it has had on the way our children are taught and how they interact with one another as well as their teachers. In March 2020, online learning will surpass face-to-face education rates overall as its adoption rates went through the roof. Online learning has been utilized as an alternative form of learning and supplement to face-to-face learning for decades.

Once it became clear that the situation we found ourselves in was not temporary, we discovered that schools would need out-of-school learning services for months, and possibly even years.  

Consider these strategies to make online learning more engaging and effective for students: 

1. Design an online classroom experience

Today, people are accustomed to working online, even some of them who have little or no experience in the field. However, quality online classroom experiences do not just come to pass. Just like in a physical classroom, it is essential that digital experiences are self-contained and immersive. Allow for student interaction, engagement, and learning to take place. The design of lessons should take advantage of all that online platforms have to offer from the beginning-ideally.

The lessons should not be designed “traditionally” and then incorporated online components after the fact to simulate face-to-face instruction. Teachers, in an effective online classroom, are doing what they are best at doing. Helping students develop their understanding, providing support, and providing guidance to them. In order to ensure students engage in the online experience, and to keep them on track, it’s crucial to design the experience from the ground up, placing a highly trained instructor at the center of it all. 

2. Don’t skimp on teacher training

With regard to online education, the importance of having instructors who highly skilled cannot overstated. There is some great difference between teaching online and teaching face-to-face. Comprehensive training needed for teachers to understand the different types of online learning methods that available, such as asynchronous learning. This type of learning does not provide the same instantaneous feedback as in-person learning.

Asynchronous learning as well as synchronous learning both have their respective advantages. Educators should have the opportunity to train online in the same environment in which they will be teaching. Through this training, they will be able to fully understand. The online classroom from the point of view of a student. For schools transitioning to an online learning environment, this commitment to teacher training is critical. So teachers have the tools they need to be successful. 

3. Use a variety of assessment tools

With online learning, there are numerous ways to assess a student’s performance. The ability for teachers to tailor those assessments to the specific needs of individual students and group of students. It is no longer the case that educators restricted to using only traditional methods of assessment. Such as quizzes and tests in order to find out where students stand and how far they have progressed. In addition to writing essays and conducting peer reviews.

Students can collaborate virtually on team projects along with both synchronous and asynchronous collaboration. Create online presentations for the class to demonstrate understanding. The availability of a variety of assessments keeps both students and instructors interested and engaged. 

4. Offer enrichment courses for continued learning

The spring break events during which many families and parents expressed concerns about the children’s progress. The disruption in learning were a cause of concern last summer. The goal was to ensure that after the end of the last school year. The students retained the knowledge acquired and are adequately ready for the beginning of this one.

By allowing students to enroll in online enrichment courses such as photography, cryptography, and video game design during the summer or after school, companies can encourage students to improve their skills. Using a structured yet less formal learning environment, schools can maintain the focus, excitement, and engagement of their students while they learn. 

5. Help bridge the equity gap

In addition to computer science courses, AP options, and a variety of unique electives that can prepare the students for college and their careers, not all students have access to these courses. A major goal of online learning is to help students gain access to courses that stimulate their interests and prepare them for their futures by creating the opportunity for online learning.

Schools do not encounter equity issues in spite of the best efforts they are making. In order for students to succeed regardless of where they live, there is a need for strong technology infrastructure, a standardized curriculum, and certified teachers. 

6. Have a diverse content mix to accommodate different learning styles 

Taking a one-size-fits-all approach to learning will not work for every course you teach or every student. It is important to adapt to changing circumstances and to use differentiated instruction to create transformational learning experiences. 

Essentially, differentiated instruction is a way of teaching that acknowledges that learners absorb information differently based on how they experience it. 

In cases such as this, someone who isn’t able to understand a concept by reading a long block of text may benefit from watching a video that explains it to them in a more understandable way. Some people may find it more valuable to be able to go back and reread sections of text at their own pace as opposed to watching a video presentation. 

Conclusion

The world of education is changing at an exponential pace, and online learning will continue to provide schools with a valuable tool for closing the learning gap in ways they have never seen before. At Desklib Online Homework Help | Ask Subject Experts | Instant Solution, we are aware of the challenges and are excited about the possibilities of online tutoring. Our team is excited to share some of our experience with online teaching and learning best practices in order for teachers to meet students where they are and understand where they should be.