Tips for Effective Inclusive Remote Learning

During the current situation with COVID-19 pandemic, most schools in Qatar were closed and started teaching students remotely. There were a few legitimate questions and worries that instantly cropped up from day one concerning remote education such as, are we ready for it? Will it require more commitments or less than the instructor-led classes? What is the best way to approach studying remote learning classes? In this article, we will be sharing some of the important study tips and strategies for online remote learners, teachers and for schools.

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Technology

Technology is an essential component of remote learning and supporting all students, particularly students with disability at home. It allows creation of accessible, virtual inclusive classrooms that ensure all students have the access to their academic curriculum. It’s also imperative to bring some accessible fun into the remote learning process, as the power of play both as a source of entertainment, as well as social and emotional learning.

Modifying curricula and instructions

Learning in a remote setting may differ from mainstream, classroom-based environments. This includes expectations for students and teaching methodology. Curricula must often be adjusted, and teaching resources must all be accessible for abilities in the classrooms. Ideally, Universal Design for Learning allows students with disabilities to access courses without adaptation and allows the coursework to be available in a variety of formats for the nondisabled, making it easier for everyone to access.

Review IEP goals

Define an unmistakable realistic objective to assist with remaining inspired and beat lingering. These objectives ought to be explicit and simple to gauge. Review students’ IEPs -individualized education program- and identify the goals that can be adapted most quickly to the remote learning program. If students with learning disabilities are in receive of supports such as speech or language therapy, or occupational therapy or assistive technology services, teachers must review each student’s IEP to determine who they need to collaborate with.

Understand remote learning practices

Remote learning is not as easy, but rather a more convenient one. It requires dedication, commitment and time. Teachers and students should also consider or prepared to be tech-savvy and work with others effectively. They also need to know where to find support teaching resources such as open educational platforms, bespoke and free online learning platforms.

Accessibility Considerations

The online learning environment and technologies in use are al subject to the same standard and laws governing regular classes in so much that educational establishments have the responsibility to ensure that learning opportunities and experiences should be accessible. In the online environment Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 standards should all be considered. WCAG outlines the features necessary to meet minimum accessibility requirements in the online/ remote participation environment and are comprehensive.

Reliable internet access

Internet speed and reliability are very crucial to take eLearning course, as technology problems or system crashing can happen any time while working online or in the middle of saving information. A reliable internet access will also give the opportunity to check in, stay current with remote lessons, and the opportunity to interact with other students and lessons’ instructors. To avoid any misfortunes, ensure that students save their work repeatedly and backup regularly using cloud storage, for example Dropbox or Google Drive.

Dedicated study area

It’s simpler to review and remember study ideas in case students are in a similar spot where they previously learned it, so having a committed space or desk at home to study can make learning progressively successful. Creating separate areas, one for study and one for breaks will help to focus more. Furthermore, ask friends, relatives, and colleagues to respect the virtual working environment and consider turning off mobile phone and logging off all social networks to stay focused.

Complete one task at a time

Doing many tasks at the same time is less productive than concentrate and focus on one task at a time. If students are regularly bombarded with multi streams of virtual information, they cannot pay attention, recall information, or switch from one task to another. They need to stay focused on one task at a time.

Use of calendars

Students can use calendars to open their schedules and pick an anticipated, dependable time that they can devote to study and finish required assignments. This will guarantee that homework won’t become the last task on their agenda. Encourage students to set a day or two before the actual submission of the homework/ assignment’s deadline using Outlook or Google or Apple schedules, or another schedule application.

Accountability and achievement

Encourage students to tell their friends and family about the remote learning they are taking and what grades/accreditation they are expected to achieve at the end. Having a community and support network of friends and family to cheer students can make a difference. Students can also post their achievements to the social media accounts, or social groups.

Groups discussion

Students shouldn’t feel isolated, discussion forums and virtual online groups such as Microsoft Teams are one of the best places to ask questions about how to write assignments/homework, discuss topics, share resources and ideas, plan schedule and make friends.

Take notes

Taking notes can promote active thinking, boost comprehension, and extend students attention span. They can grab a notebook or find a digital app that works best and start jotting down key points.

Regular breaks

Students need to take regular breaks in order to rest their brains and eyes in order to stay focused and to complete tasks to high performance. If they have been challenged with tasks or assignments with no real progress for one hour, they should take a break.

Ask for help

While it may be productive for students to look for answers to their remote lessons’ questions independently, they shouldn’t hesitate to contact teachers online when they are stuck and in need of help. If they don’t ask for help when required, they may end up falling behind, which may lower their self-esteem, as they may not be able to keep up with tasks and assignments. By asking online instructors/ teachers to clarify problems, this can help evaluate students’ level of understanding of the online material, but also to get an idea of the overall effectiveness of the remote education.