Tips and Resources to Support Learning Online
Tips for Success
We recommend students and families consider the following tips to help make online learning a success:
- Establish a daily routine that includes consistent bedtimes and wakeup times, meals, dedicated learning time, breaks between subject areas, physical activity, and time for leisure interests. Create a schedule and post it in a prominent place.
- For younger learners, create a schedule that uses clocks and pictures to represent each activity.
- View sample formats here:
- Create a space that is used just for online learning time. It can be a table or desk but should be off to the side.
- Include plenty of space for the computer and learning materials (paper, writing tools, books, etc.)
- Place in an area without distractions (TVs, video game systems, phone, high traffic areas of the home)
- Be sure it is well lit to reduce eye-strain.
- Have your student add a personal touch (picture, plant, poster, choice of school supplies) to make it feel familiar and comfortable.
- Set reasonable daily goals for completing lessons and assignments. Aim for one unit per course per week. Consider writing “assignments” down on a post it note or small whiteboard nearby as a checklist for your student.
Resources
- Video Tutorials for Online Platform
- Technical Assistance for Online Platform
- If you need device assistance during distance learning contact our Tech Help Desk at distance-support@bexley.us or 614.237.4309 x5354
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Bexley Public Library Research Page - This resource for card holders includes a range of databases with articles students can use for research and assignments, tutorials for a variety of skills and projects, digital books, language learning programs and more! Columbus Metropolitan Library has a similar resource for cardholders of CML.
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InfOhio includes free access to digital books, learning resources, world language programs, and more.
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Natural Reader Text to Speech Chromebook extension adds a read aloud option for text as students navigate the online learning platform.
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9 Tips for Parents Navigating Online Learning Due to Coronavirus
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8 Tips for Middle and High Schoolers to Get Started with Online School
Learning and Thinking Activities That DON’T Require a Computer
You may find your student completes assignments more quickly than what may happen on site in school. School days include a lot of transition routines between spaces and events and shared time and attention with other students; since much of that isn’t occurring at home, your student may complete a day’s worth of instruction in less than the time of a typical school day. Below are some ideas for engaging activities that don’t utilize a computer screen for anyone in the family to try.
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Build something out of LEGO, K’Nex, blocks, toothpicks, pipe cleaners, or any other building materials
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Draw, paint, sculpt, photograph, dance, or make music or film to communicate a thought, feeling, or idea
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Play charades or pictionary
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Draw, paint, sculpt, photograph, dance, or make music or film to communicate a thought, feeling, or idea
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Go on a scavenger hunt through the house or outside in the yard
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Explore nature and try to identify something new found outside using a book from the library
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Play board games
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Complete a jigsaw puzzle
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Complete crossword puzzles, Sudokus, or logic puzzles
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Write a story
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Read a book
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Make a scrapbook or journal about experiences during e-learning
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Create a comic or graphic novel version or fan fiction based on a recently read book
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Plan a meal or cook a new recipe
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Learn a new life skill (do laundry, change a tire, balance a checkbook, etc.)
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Brainstorm ideas and plan out a new business or invention to meet an observed need
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Engage in a passion project that includes research, service learning, or real world problem solving. (**These require a computer to get started.) For ideas of project types and guidance on how to complete a passion project, visit the sites below:
