Best Student Distance Learning Practices NTLC

UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-STOUT

Nakatani Teaching and Learning Center BEST DISTANCE LEARNING PRACTICES FOR STUDENT LEARNING

Tips for Students

1 Best Distance Learning Practices for Student Learning

2

Table of Contents

4

Commons Terms and Definitions

5-9

Preparing for Online Courses

Relationships

10

Working with Instructors & Classmates in Online Courses

11-12

Knowledge Retention

13

Student Health & Well-being

3 Best Distance Learning Practices for Student Learning

Commons Terms and Definitions

Distance or remote learning is the umbrella term for any learning that takes place across distance and not in a traditional classroom (dvinci Training).

1 2

Online learning takes place over the internet and is one type of distance learning (Wlac.edu).

Alternative delivery systems develop many creative ways of working together for the benefit of all students. National Association of Special Education Teachers (NASET).

3

4

Hybrid approach to course delivery combines face-to-face classroom instruction with online activities (PennState).

Synchronous online teaching is where the teacher is present at the same time as the learner(s) and can take place via online learning (OpenLearn). Asynchronous online teaching is where teaching materials are posted online, and learners work through them in their own time, communicating with each other and the teacher via distance (OpenLearn).

5

6

4

Preparing for Online Courses Set distance learning goals for yourself, create a grit plan: What 2-3 goals do you want to achieve in the next few days, weeks, and months? Keep them specific, measurable, achievable, and time sensitive (e.g., keep my planner organized by updating it each night; actively engage with my instructors and other students by posting at least one question in one of my classes every day). How do each of these goals connect with what matters the most in your life? What is it about the things that matter to you that motivates you to accomplish these goals? What will it mean to you to

achieve your goals? Who or what are your resources of positive energy, strength, and affirmation (people, activities, books, videos, etc.) that sustain you during tough times? Who are people and relationships that drain you? List them so that you can minimize the impact they have on you and your goals.

5 Best Distance Learning Practices for Student Learning

What challenges do you think could disrupt your ability to achieve your goals? How do you typically manage stressful times? What people or strategies exist to manage these challenges? What additional resources (information, support) do you need? What is one of the toughest situations you have successfully faced? What strategies did you use to get through it? How can past challenges that you successfully overcame sustain you in future tough times? Remember you are more than enough to overcome whatever you are facing! Get a planner or calendar and mark down all assignment and exam due dates. Make time management a priority and treat each online course like it is a “real” course, because it is!

6

Find two to three different tactics that you can use to effectively organize your assignments. Each week can bring something different so one solution may not work every time. Change it up to best improve your personal productivity. Read each course syllabus and assignment instructions so that you better understand what teachers expect of you and how to succeed in courses. Reach out to instructors with questions. Knowing where your understanding ends and asking for help to get beyond there is a sign of intelligence! Start each week reviewing what needs to be done and schedule in time for

each course assignment and assessment. Create a plan and stick to it consistently throughout the week. Keep up with course announcements (Canvas announcements & e-mails.

Set aside time and personal study space every week to complete your readings and assignments uninterrupted. Stay on top of schoolwork because assignments can build up quickly and become a lot to manage. Try to work ahead as time permits.

7 Best Distance Learning Practices for Student Learning

Attend virtual office hours and use this time to ask questions and better understand assignments.

Put your phone or other distractors in a different room (it can be too tempting). Limit your multitasking because research shows that it increases the amount of time needed to learn material and decreases the quality of the learning. Instead of trying to pay attention to multiple devices or tasks, focus on one assignment or course requirement at a time. When completed, then move onto the next one. Date all resources (articles, PowerPoints, etc.) and keep them in one consistent place for each course for easy access and future reference. Allow plenty of time to think about course content and fully absorb it. Associate what you are learning with something you have experienced or heard about in your own life. That will help you better understand and retain the information.

8

Plan backwards for achieving bigger assignments. Identify the final due date and then work backwards to when the first version must be completed. Save your homework in two places in case your computer dies. Keep/save prior course material. It will come in handy when you need to recall something. If you are struggling with content comprehension, connect with an online tutor . Use this list of available resources: https:// liveuwstout.sharepoint.com/sites/2022/Advisement/SitePag- es/Tutoring-Resources.aspx

9 Best Distance Learning Practices for Student Learning

Relationships Working with Instructors & Classmates in Online Courses Working online can be isolating, so take opportunities to interact with instructors and classmates. Don’t be afraid to ask for help from your classmates or professors. Communicate with them often and ask questions but be sure to check your syllabus and assignment sheet first before contacting your instructor. Leverage your networking connections by developing virtual study groups or creating other opportunities to connect virtually with your classmates. If you have a letter of access from Disability Services, share it as early as possible with your instructor. Address any concerns or barriers that come up promptly with your teacher and/or Disability Services.

10

Knowledge Retention The following practices help students think more deeply about course subjects, better retain knowledge, and apply the learning to new problems: Space your studying for online courses; do not cram before a quiz or exam. One of the most effective study techniques is to work a short time on courses every day. This consistent approach helps students learn information more deeply and retain it over the long term. If available, take practice quizzes (or make up your own) and work practice problems. Self-testing is more effective than re-reading textbooks or notes.

Organize material in a meaningful way--synthesizing, summarizing, and condensing it rather than just re-reading and highlighting it. Attend classes (online) and take notes (during videos, recorded lectures, etc.) For deeper learning, handwrite notes because that forces you to think about the material and summarize it. Ask and answer questions so that you engage in the learning process.

11 Best Distance Learning Practices for Student Learning

Practice active reading because that improves comprehension and retention of course information. Preview assigned readings to get a sense from the headings of what you will be learning, formulate questions as you read, and reflect and summarize content in your own words. Create concept maps or diagrams that explain the material you are studying. Review after class (read notes, fill in gaps and identify ques- tions you have) because repetition reinforces learning. Ask yourself “why”, “how” and “what if” questions. Do you know the material well enough to teach it to someone else?

12

Student Health & Well-being

Develop beneficial habits such as healthy eating, exercise, adequate sleep, and social time. Put your unproductive moments to work for you by replacing them with things that increase your well-being and health (workout, interact with friends, etc.), but help you later focus on your studies. Use your resources. You are at UW-Stout to learn; no one expects that you will know how to do everything right away. Take advantage of the support network our university has created to help students succeed. If you are having a hard time, tell someone a friend, dorm leader, a teacher, counselor, or advisor. Be patient with yourself when you feel stressed and overwhelmed. Everyone does from time to time! You can always contact the UW-Stout Counseling Center at https://liveuwstout. sharepoint.com/sites/2022/012/SitePages/Conseling-Center. aspx

13 Best Distance Learning Practices for Student Learning

Nakatani Teaching and Learning Center Prepared by the