Author: Selena Guilbeaux, M. Ed | K-12 Engagement Coach
Learning at University View Academy (UVA) provides many benefits for students: flexibility, personalized learning, adaptability, and innovation. We offer synchronous and asynchronous learning options that fit the needs of each student individually. Asynchronous learning occurs when students complete assignments on their own or with the assistance of their learning coach. Synchronous learning occurs in small groups, one-on-one settings, and community meetings held between students and teachers.
A key part of remote learning is the environment your student plans to learn. Does your environment minimize distractions? Does your student have all the items and materials needed to succeed? In this blog, I will discuss a few key areas that help create a positive learning environment.
Minimize Distractions
A clear mind paired with minimal distractions will benefit a student. It allows them to hone in on learning and being productive. Let’s start first with the fact that it’s hard to eliminate all distractions. It is almost impossible. We can strive for that, but we do understand that distractions will arise.
What kind of setting can you put your student in to limit these distractions? The first objective should be to find a relatively low-sound location to get work done. This spot could be in your house or apartment or even the local library. If a low-sound location is not attainable, purchase headphones that will allow your student to block out the extraneous noise with soft music of their own.
Another common distraction is cellular devices. Iin 2024, we all know that cellular devices or tablets are used for learning and many other things. It’s a necessity to discuss with your student(s) that they are for learning only during certain periods. To ensure notifications and texts are not constantly interrupting learning sessions, set the phone to ‘Do Not Disturb’ to silence notifications and alerts.
Learning Materials At The Ready
Each student has his/her own needs in terms of what will help to be successful. In remote learning, our UVA-issued laptop is the starting point. Students need to ensure that the laptop is fully charged or has access to a power source when learning occurs.
What else does your student need to be successful? A notepad for notes could help. A calculator. A printer. A dictionary. These are all items that might not be necessities but can tremendously help the achieve daily learning objectives.
We want to ensure we don’t clutter our learning space with too many supplies either. Too many supplies can be distracting and make things hard to find, so it’s important to work with your student(s) to identify the proper tools needed. Lastly, it’s very important to keep your workspace clean and tidy. A neat workspace helps with knowing where everything is when you need it the most.
Ready To Learn?
Now that we have the workspace covered, what is it that makes your student ready to learn? Each student is motivated by different things, so there is not a one-size-fits-all answer.
It could be a warm up song before studies begin. It could be a five-minute walk around the neighborhood with your family pet(s). It could be a shower. Perhaps the reading of a motivational quote each day before studies begin. Whatever gets their mind right to get them in the learning mode for school should be prioritized. Focus on creating a routine that will motivate and encourage your student(s) to be the best they can be.
Listen To Your Body
Simply put, our bodies are made to move. Sometimes we get so caught up in the task at hand that we forget to get up and move around a bit. Take movement breaks every 30 or 45 minutes to boost circulation.
Suggestions include standing up to move around, a quick stretching break or some air squats. The more we engage our body during learning sessions, the more it boosts our energy levels. Physical activity can help decrease sluggishness that comes with sitting for long periods of time.
Another key thing to remember is to stay hydrated. Proper hydration has been shown to improve brain function. A few glasses of water per day can help achieve optimum hydration levels. Keeping a water bottle handy will help.
Let’s Have a Great Year
We look forward to engaging with you this year in our virtual learning spaces. At UVA, we are dedicated to providing a flexible and innovative learning environment that accommodates the needs of all learners.
Learn more about University View Academy.