Different Strategies for Remote Working and Learning

In the picture: Radix TeacherView

During the COVID-19 pandemic, many of us had to acclimate to the new paradigm of remote working. It took some time to get used to it. But now, with Bluetooth headsets affixed, we are ready to tackle a full day of video conference meetings. The new normal, right?

As the COVID-19 pandemic intensified globally, the authorities closed schools for extended periods. Remote learning became the new normal. But, those thinking that the same strategies for remote working apply to remote learning were in for a rude awakening.

Challenges with Remote Learning

The Internet is full of testimonials from frustrated parents who said that the concept of remote self-paced learning should be revisited. Parents said it was unrealistic to expect them to both work remotely and also tutor their children at home.

Here are some logistical problems about remote learning that come to mind immediately:

• Properly allocating devices
• Ensuring sufficient bandwidth to support remote workers and learners
• Providing everyone with the personal space they need

But the bigger question is: How can we provide remote learning services, and will they be effective? 

Models of Remote Learning and Working Strategies

Regarding providing remote learning services, by and large, people adopted the following models:

1. Self-paced learning with periodic check-ins with teachers. With this model, students access assignments from online portals and communicate with teachers via email, text, or video conference

2. Instructor-led distance teaching. With this model, teachers utilize video conference solutions for classroom instruction

3. Hybrid model. Teachers have generally developed this model on an “ad-hoc” basis. That is, teachers record themselves teaching and post it on YouTube or an online portal for student access).

With regards to effectiveness, that is a little harder to quantify. Each model has its pros and cons. However, it seems clear that none of them can match the effectiveness of the traditional teacher-led classroom environment. And, even more importantly, the role of the teacher is critical in bridging the gap between the traditional classroom and the remote learning environment. With teachers less involved in the remote learning process, the less effective it is.

Radix TeacherView–Providing Teachers with the Right Remote Learning Tools

So how do we involve teachers more deeply in a remote learning strategy?

For starters, they need the right tools. In a traditional classroom environment, teachers have a broad arsenal of pedagogical tools. The modern classroom can have interactive touchscreen displays, overhead projectors, and computers. The computers can allow access to learning management systems (LMS), online content portals, and classroom management software (CMS). 

Most schools either rely on students using their own devices or provide school-owned devices for students to use at home. The learning resources are available online through LMS solutions like Google Classroom. But for the actual online instruction, many schools rely on business communication solutions like Google Hangouts, Microsoft Teams, Zoom, or Webex. All of these are great solutions for remote business meetings. But, they are probably not the best option for remote learning with a group of easily distracted students.

The best solution may be one that combines video conference and classroom management capabilities.

One such solution on the market today is TeacherView by Radix. It allows teachers to talk and engage with students via video, ask questions, and share files or a whiteboard. You can “e-call” students to the board, give time for self-practice, and see in real time what students are doing. If students need extra help, you can engage with them quietly in a chat session.

To summarize, putting aside remote learning, remember to be supportive of your children’s learning environment and their educational journey. Remote learning and hybrid arrangements are the new reality in education. Radix TeacherView can be instrumental in integrating remote learning into your school.

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