Virtual Learning Implementation: A Strategic Framework for District Leaders

Virtual learning is becoming increasingly common. Proponents argue this is for the best as asynchronous virtual learning enables students to study at their own pace and on their own schedule. Furthermore, advocates of the virtual learning model point out that online learning platforms offer widespread access to courses students would not be able to take otherwise.

At the same time, studies of virtual charter schools found that learners in these schools showed weaker academic growth and had lower graduation rates than schools with in-person learning. Additionally, students at virtual schools experienced increased mobility and regression in academic measures. One primary common cause for these problems, according to researchers, was overuse of the asynchronous learning mode, which limited teacher-student engagement and contact time and then relied heavily on family support to make up the difference.

Asynchronous vs. Synchronous Virtual Learning: What is the Difference?

Asynchronous online courses provide students with study materials such as video lectures, digital textbooks, and assignments. However, these courses provide minimal or no interaction with a teacher or fellow students in real time. While students can send messages and information to a teacher and receive teacher responses, the interaction doesn't build the collaborative environment students need in order to develop critical thinking skills.

Synchronous online courses, on the other hand, mimic in-person learning by allowing students to talk with a teacher and fellow students in real time. Learners are able to ask questions immediately if they don't understand a concept presented in class. Students can also benefit from listening to the teacher's response to fellow learners' questions and comments. Furthermore, a teacher livestreaming into class can immediately see how the class is grasping important concepts and make accommodations to ensure all learners understand the material before moving on.

Students in a synchronous class study in a classroom rather than on their own. This setting enables learners to make friends with fellow students. Such friendships not only help students feel happy but also impact their learning abilities. Research shows that friendships can improve both academic performance and grade point average.

How to Implement a Successful Virtual Learning Model

A synchronous online education is the best option for students without a certified teacher physically present in the classroom. Even so, livestream classes on their own won't guarantee student success. There are some steps you'll need to take to ensure your teachers and students have the resources they need to succeed.

Assess Your Learners' Needs

Not all synchronous virtual classes are ideal for each school. To pick the classes that are right for your institution, consider the following factors:

• The number of students you have in each class
• The learning material you need to cover
• The number of teacher vacancies you have, and which classes you need
• Special interests students have in particular academic subjects
• Accommodations that need to be made for IEP and 504 students

Choose the Right Tools for the Job

Choose synchronous learning software that's user-friendly for teachers and students alike. You want educators and learners to focus on the learning process, not sort out technical glitches.

A good LMS will allow teachers to keep track of student attendance, progress, and grades. Furthermore, teachers and learners alike can benefit from additional digital tools that make learning fun for all involved. These may include:

• An interactive whiteboard
• Tools for creating interactive quizzes and games
• Discussion boards where students can share information and collaborate on group projects

You'll also need the right hardware for your virtual education set-up. Quality cameras and microphones allow students and teachers to communicate easily. You'll need a stable internet connection, so there are no technical problems during class. Make sure students and teachers alike have computers with the software needed to make the most of virtual classes.

Help Students and Facilitators Learn How to Use the New Virtual Learning Platform

Facilitators should be given the opportunity to learn how to use the new virtual learning set-up and virtual learning tools before the start of a new semester or academic year. It's also wise to provide some cybersecurity training and guidelines to protect students' personal data.

Students should likewise know how to use the tools and features they'll be working with during the school year. They should be able to log on to livestreamed classes, communicate with other learners and the teacher, submit assignments, etc. At the same time, hardware and software issues can arise at any time, so be sure to have someone on hand to fix problems quickly.

Make Expectations Clear

If your students are used to learning on an asynchronous learning platform, they may need some guidance and instruction in order to successfully switch to a synchronous virtual education set-up.

Students should be prepared to interact with their teacher and peers, just as they would if a teacher were present in the classroom. Allowing learners to connect with each other builds connections and friendships that improve the virtual learning environment.

Learners should know how to go about asking questions or getting help. Teachers will make it clear when students can ask questions or comment on the class material. There will also be clear communications regarding deadlines for completing homework and group assignments.

Monitor Students Progress

Regular monitoring plays a key role in student success. This holds true for virtual learning and in-person learning alike. Keeping track of grades is a good way to see if your learners are making progress in key subjects; however, it's not the only metric that needs monitoring. Encourage facilitators to share their insights on how students are progressing in the new virtual learning environment. Are learners happy and eager to take part in classes? Do they work well together on group assignments? Are they well-behaved and respectful to the teacher and each other? Are homework and assignments turned in on time?

At the start of each school year, re-assess your needs to see if you need to make changes to your virtual learning model. As some students graduate and others enter new grades, you may need to add new classes and/or remove old ones. Perhaps new accommodations are needed to help new students grasp key concepts.

Why Work with Proximity Learning?

The COVID lockdowns forced schools to immediately embrace a virtual learning model. Many learners struggled to make progress in the new online learning environment. Without proper training, teachers often struggled to present lessons in a new format and help learners who were having a hard time grasping key concepts.

While educators and students alike are more familiar with virtual learning than they were in 2020, challenges remain for educational institutions and students alike. Thankfully, you don't have to solve all the problems on your own. Proximity Learning has more than fifteen years of experience connecting certified, experienced teachers with educational institutions throughout the United States. We offer K-12 classes, tutoring, summer classes, and special education classes on your school's bell schedule. Our synchronous virtual learning curriculum makes learning engaging and fun, and we tailor our classes to meet your state's educational standards. Get in touch with us to find out more about how we can help your school create a successful virtual learning environment.

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