Welcome back, students! I hope that you have had a restful summer break, as you return to your learning process of reading, writing, and solving problems.
This year is going to be not only exciting but challenging. I need you to be patient. We are learning many new things and errors will occur, and we will learn from them. Just like you, all your teachers are navigating through and learning new tools to help you in your learning process. Many of you tend to be technology-savvy when it comes to going through various website pages.
Let’s make this year a great and successful year.
Tips on how to be successful this year:
- Get Organized. Making a plan for what you’re going to do and when you’re going to do it will make sure you’re always ahead of the curve – literally.
- Don’t multitask. Studies have shown that multitasking is physically impossible.
- Divide it up. Studying isn’t fun to begin with, and forcing yourself through a study marathon will only make it worse. Dividing your work into manageable chunks and rewarding yourself when you finish each chunk will make studying (more) fun.
- Sleep. Don’t underestimate the importance of those eight hours of zzz’s every night! Getting a good night’s rest will sharpen your focus and improve your working memory.
- Set a schedule. Are you more productive in 90-minute blocks or half-hour spurts? Find a schedule that works for you, and stick to it.
- Take notes. Taking notes will not only keep you more engaged during class, but will also help you narrow down what you need to study when exam time rolls around. It’s much easier to reread your notes than to reread your entire textbook!
- Study. This one might be obvious, but did you know that there’s a right and a wrong way to study? Review your material several days ahead of time, in small chunks, and in different manners (for example, write flashcards one day and take practice tests the next). In other words, don’t cram.
- Manage your study space. Find a place that will maximize your productivity. Look for places away from the television and other distractions. Whether it’s your local library or just the desk in your bedroom, set aside a study space that you’ll want to spend time in.
- Ask questions. You’re here to learn, so don’t be afraid to do just that! Asking for help – from a teacher, a tutor or your friends – is a surefire way to make sure you truly understand the material.
Tips For Success:
- Feel reassured that your teachers are here to help you
- Reach out through email until Schoology is up and running
- Stay positive
- Be punctual or on-time for live sessions
- Try your best
- Ask questions
- Be confident
- Make sure you have access to the internet
- Have basic supplies on hand such as paper and pencils
Synchronous vs. Asynchronous Learning
Synchronous: Live Learning
This is when all students are learning at the same time and at the same place.
Communication happens in real time
You may have a teacher teaching a class in separate breakout rooms, but at the same time.
Examples of this may be when you have a live lesson with your teacher. The entire class is learning together.
Asynchronous Learning: On Demand Learning
This is when students are using online resources to learn. Here students and teachers do NOT have to be at the same place at the same time.
Examples of this type of learning are:
*Schoology
*Learning games on websites
*Discussion Boards/Forums
*I Ready Math online tutorials, books, online games
*Learners can study at anytime and any pace, according to their own needs
*Learners can go back and review any pieces of information they may need more help on
*Learners take responsibility for their own learning
Remember teachers are still here to help you. If you have trouble with any of the online assigned activities, reach out to your teacher on how to be more successful.