Overwhelmed by online learning? Schools must keep these 5 things in mind

When schools around the world closed due to the pandemic most students couldn’t contain their relief.

Kids will be kids. We adults all fondly remember the instinctive joy we felt on snow days.

But the realization that this wasn’t going to be the start of an early vacation set in quickly. The euphoria dissipated. Students were abruptly shoved into a whole new world of online learning.

Online learning is uncharted territory for many students, teachers, and school administrators across the globe. Some are already feeling the social-emotional effects of increased screen time and isolation. Fears and worries abound regarding the ability to ensure the quality of learning, testing integrity, and the widening of the digital divide. Graduations and other memorable ceremonies are being canceled or going virtual. Debates rage on how to find the right balance between synchronous and asynchronous teaching.

Although challenges undoubtedly exist in “what may be the world’s largest remote learning experiment” some are already noticing the opportunities. Necessity is the mother of invention and in uncertain times innovative practices are born that can reshape education for the better.

So in the spirit of innovation and looking at the bright side, let’s talk about some simple strategies that schools can implement to lessen online overwhelm.

1. Keep it simple

In the school I work in, a challenge that many students face is feeling overwhelmed by the online workload. Teachers might be uploading too many resources and lessons to compensate for the lack of face to face instruction. Student perception of the workload might be impacted by the lack of direct supervision and a source of constant feedback and support. They are also adjusting to studying at home with all its distractions, which makes them feel like they are playing catch-up.

Whatever is heightening the sense of being overwhelmed, perceived, or real, the best thing to do is keep it simple.

Teachers should provide concise instructions for assignments. As this teacher describes, uploading assignments with in-depth explanations as a voice-over using video recording software like Loom can pre-empt recurring questions from students.

Simple instructions and lesson structures do not mean less rigorous learning experiences. In fact, it has been shown to lead to a greater amount of higher-order thinking.

2. Keep it organized

What naturally follows from simplicity is keeping things organized. The erratic transition to online learning can lead teachers to upload a dizzying array of resources and content. As teachers seek to increase engagement and interactivity on the platform, they sacrifice clarity.

Instead, teachers and educators should embrace a minimalist approach to decrease visual overstimulation and distraction. Using only one platform and posting only the most essential multimedia resources is the way to go.

One way to improve clarity is to consistently post a “week at a glance” so students feel more prepared for what’s ahead. Another idea is creating a FAQ section that clearly outlines new expectations around virtual learning, where to find things on the platform, and office hours.

3. Keep them off the screens

This tip may seem counterintuitive. How can we reduce screen time when that is where all learning takes place?

It is possible with a little creativity.

Is there a way students can take photos, draw, create artwork, perform a song/skit, or physically write out the assignment and upload it online? Maybe students can interview their loved ones or build something from household items.

Educators should incorporate opportunities for students to engage with the world around them and make things with their hands.

4. Keep open lines of communication

A sure-fire way to ease the uncertainty surrounding e-learning is to establish a consistent and easily accessible method of communication.

Students will have more questions than ever and will require more reassurance. Teachers can post daily announcements, pre-record videos, hold virtual office hours, or organize one-on-one or small group sessions.

The point is to connect. As this poignant letter to first time online teachers states:

“The job of an online teacher is the job of an offline teacher is the job of a teacher. Connect to people and help them to feel connected to you.”

5. Keep it real

I’m going to state the obvious here: Everybody is stressed, anxious, and scared.

But guess what? It’s OK to say this out loud. Being transparent about these unprecedented times and how everyone is trying to figure it out can put students at ease and help them feel less alone.

Teachers and school administrators should gather continuous feedback from students through surveys, polls, and virtual assemblies to see what can be improved.

The feedback should also inform educators on how to support students academically, socially, and emotionally.

The future is here

All is not lost. Quality learning can continue online with the right strategies that focus on simplicity, organization and maintaining genuine connections with students.

After all, online learning has been touted for years to be the future of education. Well, it looks like the future is here.

It’s not the circumstances we wished for, but perhaps we will come out better from it.