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Distance-Learning: What You Need to Succeed at Home
Special to The Truth
Is your family
distance-learning? Having the resources you need at home can
be the key to success. Here are a few tools to consider as
you navigate an unusual school year:
• A Library Card: If
students lack access to the school’s physical library, your
public library can be an invaluable fount of information to
turn to this school year. While it’s true that some library
systems have limited their print materials available for
checkout, keep in mind that many offer a rich collection of
electronic resources, which can be checked out
instantaneously from the safety of home.
• Math Tools: Math class
can be an especially challenging subject for students to
tackle in the remote learning context. Luckily, online tools
exist which can help. Check out ClassPad.net, a free
web-based platform featuring tools for calculation,
graphing, geometry, statistics and more. Its interactive
menu enables students and educators to draw geometry figures
freehand and input calculations as they would on scratch
paper. Users can also plot data points, as well as add text
labels, expressions and pictures to graphs or geometry
diagrams. However, for those who prefer a physical graphing
calculator, look for a tool that can handle coursework now
and in the future. For example, the fx-9750GIII from Casio
contains all the features needed to make remote coursework
easy to follow.
Finally, students of all
grade levels, from kindergarten through college, can learn
new mathematical techniques and supplement their studies
using free downloadable activities created by teachers. To
access these resources, visit casioeducation.com.
• A Dedicated Workspace:
While desks used for remote learning may double function as
a place for free time journaling and personal projects,
drawing a clear mental separation between the school day and
personal life is important. Students can make a few visual
swaps to signal when class is in session and it is time to
focus on schoolwork. These swaps may include using a
particular setting on the desk lamp, clearing away personal
objects or tacking up school-related paperwork to a
corkboard during the day.
• A Hotspot: If you have
multiple people learning and working from home, it doesn’t
hurt to have a mobile hotspot on hand in case of Internet
outages or other connection snafus. This can help ensure
students don’t miss a remote class session or lose their
connection when it’s most needed.
• Smart Planners: Free
apps can help students organize their coursework so they
never forget an assignment or quiz, as well as offer the
tools needed for better time management. Unlike traditional
paper planners or calendars, a smart digital planner
actually learns the habits of the student in order to tailor
push notifications and alerts.
As your family once again
falls into the groove of distance-learning, a few tools and
considerations can help expand everyone’s ability to work
from home.
Courtesy StatePoint
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