Remote Learning series: 5 tips

A lot of teachers around the world are transitioning to a remote learning environment due to the COVI-19 outbreak.

The eTwinz have created a series focus on remote learning where they will share five scenarios of remote learning.

Welcome to the seventh blog of this series: Five Tips for Remote Learning

Remote Learning is the new normal for many teachers around the world. The transition to this new approach can be difficult for many people so we have put together five tips to facilitate this transition. These five tips are based on our experience with Remote Learning and different conversations we had with many teachers that are shifting to this new approach.

Tip 1. Don´t Overwhelm Yourself

This situation is new for everyone. Everyone is trying to figure it out as we go so don´t stress yourself. Start simple and go step by step.

Empathy is key in this situation. Parents, admins and teachers are overwhelmed and trying to figure out how their practice is going to look like for the next two months. The parents of your students and your administration are on board, they are also struggling, you are not alone.

Tip 2. Consistency

Don´t set up high expectations that you cannot meet in a long term. This is a common error that we have seen teachers made over and over.

Don´t spend hours trying to make high-quality lessons if you cannot keep the same quality over the months. We have seen teachers burnt out in the first two weeks because of this.

We always suggest, if it is possible, doing things as you were doing them in class before the COVID-19 outbreak. Same approach and teaching ideas.

Tip 3. Growth Mindset

We don´t have a choice, we need to do remote learning and we like it or not we are stuck with it.

It is important that we are open to learn and, of course, to fail. We are going to fail, and we are going to get frustrated with technology, the lack of support from parents or admins and many other problems that we will face in this transition.

We like to see this situation as an opportunity to grow, grow as individuals and teachers. We have been threw in the middle of the ocean and we like it or not we need to learn how to swim to survive.

Let´s keep this positive. After all this is over, we will know how to swim! Take that COVID 19!

Tip 4. It is not just about Learning

We are not applying a regular Remote Learning approach. We need to keep in mind why we are doing this and the problems that our students face every day. Those can go from a simple fight at home to one of their grandparents struggling with COVID19

This is not just about learning. You matter for your students. You are important for them and you are a great influence in their life. Now, more than ever we need to check on them and see how they are doing and how they are managing this situation.

Also, remember to have some fun with them. You may want to have weekly challenges or other activities that bring the class together to have fun. Consider to have some videocalls just to chat with them and have fun.

Tip 5. Take Care of Yourself

This is probably the most important one. Don´t forget to take care of yourself.

You are also struggling in this situation; you also have a family that you need to spend time with. Find time for yourself and for your family. Sometimes in a Remote Work environment is hard to draw the line between work and home. Make a schedule and set your boundaries.

“You cannot pour from an empty cup”