Rutgers Graduate School of Education Professor Alisa Belzer is available to discuss remote learning, in use by many K-12 schools, colleges and universities due to concerns about COVID-19. She teaches fully online courses to graduate students and studies learner experience.
“When it comes to online learning, procrastination is easy and falling behind can happen quickly,” said Belzer. “It is common to say, ‘I'll do it in a little while’ way too often, and catching up can feel like an impossible task.”
To avoid procrastination, Belzer offers guidance for learning online:
- Maintain a consistent daily work schedule and use time management skills to stay on track. Younger students will need help from parents or caretakers on this.
- Maintain contact with teachers, especially when you have questions, feel confused, or don’t understand how to do something.
- Remember: it is almost impossible for an online teacher to know there is a problem if the student does not indicate it.
- Tap into the virtual classroom community to avoid feeling isolated.
On working with instructors, she adds, “Keep in mind that many instructors are scrambling to respond to the almost immediate need to move to an online environment. Teachers are dealing with an increased workload as they hurry to put lessons and assignments online each day and try to maintain a connection to students and meet expectations of learners, parents, administrators, and others. Be patient as teachers work through this.”
“Distance learning doesn't have to mean solo learning. If everyone seeks to do their best, reaches out for help and support, and is flexible, the sudden shift to online learning can be fun and educational.”
For interviews, contact Megan Schumann at 848-445-1907 or [email protected].
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