AN ONLINE LEARNER’S GUIDE TO SUCCESSFUL LEARNING

The COVID-19 pandemic has forced 1.2 billion traditional learners to shift to online learning.  This was not something they signed up for, and so many, like their teachers, have been caught unprepared.

Learning from home using an online format is challenging for many reasons:

Technology issues. Many have limited Internet access. Many do not have devices or have to share their devices with others when working from home.

Unconducive home environments. At home, many learners do not have privacy. They are distracted by the bed, the television, or social media. They have limited access to teaching materials, Some home environments are emotionally strained.

Lack of mentorship. Online learning places much more responsibility—and therefore, pressure—on the learner. The teacher does not and cannot spoon-feed.

Isolation. The lack of physical presence of peers and teachers makes studying lonely.  Learners do not benefit from body language, facial expressions, and so on.  All communication has to be deliberate and verbal.

How can we succeed even under these circumstances?

  • Establish support structures.  The University will make help available-including content-related support from your teachers and tutors, technical assistance from help desk personnel, and mental health support from guidance counsellors.
  • Practice pro-learning behaviors.  When working on your own, it is important to care about your own learning.  This means you have to set a study goal for each day, week, or month.  Break down your goals into smaller tasks that are achievable within a reasonable time.  Block off time for studying—two hours in the morning for one subject, two hours in the afternoon for another.  Stick to your schedule and manage your time.  Take notes. Don’t wait until the last minute to begin working. 
  • Collaboration. Working with others is also helpful. Make sure you ask questions. Stay in touch with your teacher for feedback about your work.  Keep in touch with your classmates to make sure you are keeping in pace with the class.
  • Finally, practice self-care.  Take breaks. Stay healthy. Connect with others.  And be compassionate with yourself.

The Chinese characters for crisis is 危机. It is a combination of the character for danger (危) and opportunity (机). Inasmuch as this unprecedented crisis has threatened our formal education systems, it has also presented us with the opportunities to grow, improve, and thrive.

We will get through this. Together.

For more tips for students, go HERE: HOW TO AVOID #TMDD


← Go Home
Go Back to ABC Summer of 2020 to read the main article.
ABC
Learn more about ABC and AdMU’s philosophy of online Jesuit education.
ADL Framework
Learn more about the Professional Certificate Course and how we propose to design adaptively.
Working Teams
See how the different units (Schools and Departments) prepare for our big effort this summer.
Departmental Preparations
Find out how you and your department can design and deliver online learning.

Write-up by Didith Rodrigo (Arete, ALLS)
Poster Text and Design by Galvin Ngo & Meg Villena (SALT)