How can I be successful in a remote learning environment?
Below you will find several different website and resources to help prepare you and achieve success in a remote learning environment this fall. Also make sure to review the student section of the Trent Foward: Our Response to COVID19.
Learning in an Online Environment - Academic Skills
We understand that many incoming students are concerned about their academic success in a online learning environment. To help you meet your academic goals and needs, academic skills have made a collection of how-to guides can help you to be successful in your online courses. Find advice on getting started with your online course, staying organized, focused, and motivated, and engaging fully with course materials throughout the term.
- Getting Started with Online Learning
- Goal Setting and Managing your Time
- Note taking and Participation
- Writing Assignments
- Preparing for and Writing Exams
Going Remote - Information Technology Services
Using effective remote tools is an important part of learning. Follow the above for a list of IT recommend tools to support you while learning remotely.
Your Space and Learning Remotely
Knowing how to learn and having the right electronic tools are not the only important part of remote learning. Your learning space and physical set-up is also important to consider!
Ergonomics for an Office Set-Up
Use the Rapid Office Strain Assessment tool to evaluate your home set-up to minimize strain and increase comfort. Review the below article for supporting information:
Sonne, M.W.L., Villalta, D.L., and Andrews, D.M., 2012. Development and Evaluation of an Office Ergonomic Risk Checklist: The Rapid Office Strain Assessment (ROSA). Applied Ergonomics 43(1), 98-108
A Few Tips For Creating an Optimal Space for Learning at Home
Create a Dedicated Workspace
- Identify a space with a desk or table that can be dedicated for computer use; do not work while sitting on a bed or couch for long periods of time
- Monitor: Use a separate monitor, keyboard and mouse. If using a laptop place on a stand or books
- Keyboard and mouse: Use a traditional set-up, hook laptop directly to monitor or place laptop on stand and use an external keyboard and mouse
- Chair: Use a chair with low back support and seated cushion; for a kitchen or dining chair insert a seat cushion and roll up a soft towel or blanket to place in your low back area
- Phone: Use the speakerphone or microphone/voice activation for cell phone texting; don’t brace the handset or cell phone between the neck and shoulder
Leave Food in the Kitchen
To help allow enough space to use computer equipment properly, especially the keyboard and mouse, try keeping food in the kitchen. Having two distinct spaces will allow for focused time to work and enjoyable time to eat.
Use Ample Natural Lighting
Create the dedicated work area with as much natural lighting as possible. Don’t tuck it away in a dark corner, but instead use good lighting to improve performance. Use lamps where needed. Place the work area perpendicular to windows to reduce glare. Keep in mind the monitor should be the brightest thing in the space.
Drink Lots of Water and Take Breaks Throughout the Day
Drink water consistently throughout the day. Take movement breaks every half hour and change postures when starting to fatigue. Try to find ways to stand and alternate job tasks for short periods of time.