Building a Learning Schedule
If you're wondering about the idea of a daily routine, keep reading...
To develop your daily schedule, think about what it's like during a typical school day. Think about how teachers post schedules in the classroom or how bells remind students and staff when class is over. Think about your ability to stay focused and how long you know you can reasonably devote your full attention to a task. Below is a sample daily schedule.
Your Distance Learning schedule will look different depending upon your family dynamics and your personal learning needs.
7:30 AM | Get up, get dressed, eat breakfast, brush teeth, etc. |
8:15 AM | Organize learning space, turn on computer/device, log into Gmail |
8:30 AM | Review daily announcements from teacher(s) and get necessary learning materials (books, workbooks, etc.) |
8:45 AM | Engage in first virtual session or chat session or video tutorial or whatever the topic is for the day |
9:30 AM | Begin assignments |
10:00 AM | Take quick stretch and nutrition break |
10:15 AM | Return to assignments, keep working, document learning in whatever way is required |
11:00 AM | Check for any additional announcements |
11:15 AM | Lunch and movement (Take a walk. Dance. Do jumping jacks. Run. Follow an online workout routine. Just move!) |
12:00 PM | Return to assignments, keep working, document learning in whatever way is required |
1:00 PM | Engage in second virtual session or chat session or video tutorial or whatever you know you've been asked to do |
1:45 PM | Take a quick stretch and nutrition break |
2:00 PM | Return to assignments, keep working, document learning in whatever way is required |
3:00 PM | Summarize your learning in whatever way your teacher(s) have requested, and submit your evidence online |
3:45 PM | Pat yourself on the back for a full day of virtual learning |
Distance Learning is just as challenging and rigorous as a day of learning in the classroom. Learning just happens in a different place. Like in school, your daily schedule might be a bit different on each day of the week. There will be certain things such as your stretch and nutrition breaks as well as your lunchtime that you'll probably want to keep consistent. What might change are the times you hop online for video sessions or online chats. The more time you spend learning virtually, the more you'll know about what works best for you in terms of keeping focused and on task.
Getting used to a distance learning environment and participating in virtual learning might take a little while. Some people will love it right away. Others might need some time to get used to how to participate in live video sessions or use a chat room. If you're an "early adopter," be patient and remain kind to those who will take longer to adjust to a virtual learning environment. If you're one of the people who isn't as comfortable with technology or online learning as your peers, it's okay. Stay positive. Be persistent.