Navigating Remote Learning: Best Practices for Engaged Learning

Remote learning is when students and teachers are physically apart and use digital platforms to interact. This is a great alternative for students who can’t attend regular classrooms because of its flexibility and accessibility. However, its convenience is matched with challenges, particularly regarding student engagement.

Some students struggle with remote learning because they have to be self-disciplined and motivated to stay engaged. Knowing how online learning works and using the best methods is essential for successful and active learning. From a Chinese medicine viewpoint, maintaining balance between mind, body, and spirit is key for effective studying.

Key Takeaways

  • Create a structured study schedule and use digital tools for time management.
  • Actively engage in virtual class discussions and use online platforms for group studies.
  • Optimize your study environment by designating a quiet and well-lit area.
  • Prioritize self-care and well-being by exercising, practicing mindfulness, and getting enough sleep.

Types of Remote Learning

Remote learning is a form of online education that can be in the synchronous or asynchronous format.

Asynchronous learning takes the form of pre-recorded video lectures and assigned reading materials. Setting your own schedule is an advantage here, but requires self discipline to maintain progression. This content can also be easily revised and revisited, a key advantage of virtual learning.

In synchronous remote classes, sessions are held over Zoom video calls for discussions and group activities with a trainer and classmates, just like in-person classes. Synchronous learning is more interactive and allows for clarification and deeper experiences of the material being learnt. To make the most of these sessions, students should utilise (and be up to date with) asynchronous learning to prepare for more in-depth discussions.

Organization

Creating a detailed weekly calendar is essential for staying organized during remote online study. Assigning study blocks for each subject helps you manage your time and cover all the material. Use Google Calendar or Trello to set reminders for assignments and class schedules, so you stay on top of deadlines.

When creating a study routine, consider incorporating concepts of yin and yang. Designate “yang” high-energy times for engaging in classes or assignments, balanced by “yin” moments of stillness to recharge.

To effectively manage your time, prioritize tasks based on their importance and deadlines. By tackling the most urgent tasks first, you can stay on top of your workload and avoid feeling overwhelmed. We advise to read through subject guides to understand the upcoming topics for Zoom tutorials and live classes. This will help you prioritize which video lectures to watch first.

Setting achievable goals and milestones provides students with a sense of direction and accomplishment. Breaking tasks into smaller goals can make learning less overwhelming and more encouraging. Setting realistic goals and not overextending oneself prevents Liver Qi stagnation

It’s important to set aside specific time slots for breaks during your study sessions. Taking regular breaks helps maintain focus and productivity, allowing you to recharge and avoid burnout. Occasional screen breaks preserve vision health and prevent liver fire flaring upwards. Looking out at green landscapes and trees nourishes the liver. Avoid excessive mental stimulation from phones or social media, which may agitate the Shen.

Ask for help if you need it, whether it’s from trainers, support services, or online resources.

Time Management

Time management is essential for online learners as it helps maintain a structured approach to studying. Students can stay on track with their schoolwork by avoiding procrastination and creating a daily routine.

Start by creating a weekly calendar that outlines your study schedule. A consistent schedule for online classes, just like in a physical classroom, brings a feeling of routine and normalcy. By honouring a specific time in the week to attend to study, just like attending a live classroom, students can assimilate class times into day-to-day life.

When watching pre-recorded lectures, we often feel tempted to multitask and do other chores at the same time. Trying to multitask may seem efficient, but it often results in having to rewatch content because you missed important information. It is advisable to remain focussed on recorded lecturers, like you would in a regular classroom – with undivided attention. Multi-tasking, if utilised, is better suited to subsequent re-watching of content when you are consolidating knowledge.

Making time for practice and revision is essential in order to deepen understanding and reinforce learning. This balance is crucial in both synchronous and asynchronous learning settings.

It usually takes about 66 days to form a habit, so patience and dedication are necessary. By following established routines, remote learning becomes more engaging and mirrors the structure of physical classrooms. Stay organised and disciplined, and you’ll achieve success during your online learning journey.

Engagement

Engaging in class discussions is crucial for getting the most out of online learning. By actively taking part, you can interact with your classmates and instructors, fostering a sense of community and support. Utilise the Q&A discussion forums to engage with your peers and exchange ideas. Attend scheduled Zoom tutorials, ask questions, and participate in group activities.

We highly recommend setting up a Whatsapp group (or similar) with your fellow students. This allows a format to arrange practice meetups, study groups or simply a coffee and a chat!

While online classrooms are helpful, physical classrooms play a major role in community building. Being together in person often helps us feel more connected and have more shared experiences than online. Attend in-person classes and ask questions to better understand the material. Engage with the course materials through interactive activities and discussions provided by your instructors.

Actively communicate with your trainers and peers to foster a sense of community and support in the remote learning environment. To stay connected and engaged with your fellow students, make communication a priority.

Study Environment

To set up your study area for online learning, find a quiet, well-lit place with minimal distractions to improve your focus. Choose a space where you can work without interruptions from family members or outside noise.

Keep your study area organized and clutter-free so that you can easily find your study materials and stay efficient.

A calm, organized workspace allows for mental clarity just as a tidy desk clears clutter from a room. Promoting healthy liver function keeps emotions balanced for improved judgment and planning. If frustrated, take three deep breaths to relieve Liver Qi constraint.

Make sure your study space has adequate lighting to reduce eyestrain and promote alertness. Make your study space your own by adding motivational decor like quotes or plants to create a positive atmosphere. Consider getting ergonomic seating for better comfort and posture during long study sessions.

Minimizing distractions in the study environment is equally important. Achieving this requires disabling notifications, establishing dedicated study hours, and discussing the importance of uninterrupted study time with family or housemates. Try using noise-canceling headphones or playing music to block out distractions and create a peaceful space for studying.

Internet connectivity is a core aspect of a productive online learning experience. Students can use a wired ethernet connection instead of Wi-Fi for a more stable Internet connection. Avoiding bandwidth-intensive activities such as downloading or streaming during class can conserve Internet speed for a smooth online learning experience.

In terms of audio clarity, it is helpful for students to invest in a good-quality wired USB microphone or headset. It helps prevent background noise and feedback, making Zoom tutorials easier to follow. Also, when you’re not talking, muting yourself can make the audio better and prevent distractions for others.

Self-Care

Taking care of yourself regularly is important for doing well in online studying. Taking care of your physical and mental health is crucial during this time.

One important aspect of self-care is engaging in regular physical exercise. Engaging in regular physical exercise boosts mood, reduces stress levels, and improves overall well-being. You can try activities such as walking, jogging, or Qigong/Tai Chi classes. Gentle stretching stimulates Qi and blood flow.

Mindfulness techniques such as meditation or deep breathing can help students stay calm and focused while studying. Meditation calms the heart spirit, while moderate, regular exercise engenders Spleen and Lung Qi.

When feeling stressed or exhausted, Liver and Kidney deficiencies may arise. Counter by getting adequate sleep to nourish Yin essence. Prioritizing sleep is essential for enhancing cognitive function and learning abilities. Establishing a consistent sleep schedule and creating a relaxing bedtime routine can help improve the quality of your sleep.

Lastly, maintaining a balanced diet is important for overall health and focus. Eating a variety of nutrient-rich foods can provide you with the energy and nutrients your body needs to function optimally. Cultivating strong digestion and spleen function boosts the intellect. Regular meals of whole foods nourish the mind. Herbal tonics like astragalus or reishi mushrooms strengthen Qi, while warming spices such as ginger or cinnamon dispel dampness.

Remember to prioritize self-care and make it a priority during your remote online study.

Conclusion

To master online study, you need to attend to time management, organization, engagement, and creating a suitable study environment. By applying Chinese medicine wisdom to daily study habits, students can flourish energetically and academically. Carefully monitoring one’s state of balance and acting to preserve harmony ensures success in this learning journey.