What is Remote Learning?
Remote learning, also sometimes known as distance learning, is instruction provided to students from a distance based on a need. For example, in Winter 2020 the need arose for remote learning due to COVID-19, and all courses - whether online, hybrid, in-person, studio or labs - went fully online. Having your in-person class moved completely online can be stressful and reveal a lot of unknowns in how your class may function. Don’t panic! GVSU has compiled a list of resources for students and faculty alike in their transition from in-person courses to remote learning. This guide will walk you through tips and tricks for managing your time and learning.
What can I do to stay on-track?
Depending on your learning style, taking courses online might relieve the stress of commuting and allow you to complete a degree program while working full time, or it might add stress and anxiety to your education. Either way, we’re here to help with a guide from the Knowledge Market on time management for virtual learning!
Weekly Schedule & Upcoming Deadlines:
- Use a schedule, calendar, or app to keep track of live synchronous meetings (lectures at certain dates/times each week), office hours, and deadlines.
- Schedule out each hour of your week including class time, study time, and even relaxation time.
- Try to create weekly goals or deadlines for yourself, in addition to course deadlines. For example, if you have a paper due in three weeks, set a goal to have an ideal and outline within one week and a draft within two.
Email & Virtual Communication:
- Check your email and Blackboard regularly, at least a few times a week, for important information from your instructor. This could be an email about the upcoming week’s schedule, an adjustment to the semester schedule, or assignment reminders.
- Be mindful of etiquette when communicating with professors and classmates online. Be kind and understand that working remotely might be new for your professor or peers.
Technology and Troubleshooting:
- Make sure that you are able to login to Blackboard, your email, and campus network. If you have trouble logging in, contact the IT Service Desk.
- Some courses will include live synchronous meetings or online office hours with your professor using Zoom. This technology typically requires you to have a device with a webcam and microphone, but you can also join calls using your cell phone or chat.
- Find a reliable network: Technical issues can happen at any time, but it’s best to prepare ahead of time with a trustworthy signal, if you can.
- Reach out to your professors and classmates if you have questions or want to discuss course material.
- Have a system and a plan for managing your course-related file storage, such as a cloud account, a GVSU network drive, or a GVSU Google Drive.
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