WE ARE ALWAYS LEARNING!
Learning will not diminish, rather it will be enhanced by a rich and focused interaction between school and home
This is a time of deep learning, of precious family time and authentic collaboration.
Distance learning presents both challenges and opportunities for tutors, parents, and students. These recent years’ changing circumstances call for great flexibility and resilience as learning moves from face-to-face to virtual (and back again).
Oftentimes we get asked by parents if our online courses are suitable to their 12-15 year-olds, and we tell them Yes (with parents’ consent form needing to be signed), but everyone’s circumstances are different. Focused and independent learning at home is easier for some students and their families than others. Even the very tech-savvy young people may struggle with online learning. While some aspects of a traditional school set-up may not transfer easily to online environments such as Careerline, students can still learn new skills and develop important personal & academic competencies.
If there’s anything the pandemic taught us, it’s that we must adapt to rapid and sometimes unexpected pivot towards hybrid and/or remote learning.
Since our establishment in 2011, we have been working hard with industry experts to develop comprehensive distance learning courses. Throughout the years, we continue to strive for professional growth that strengthens our collective efficacy for:
- prioritizing standard, quality learning;
- signposting and consistently communicating learning expectations;
- developing time-saving processes for both our students & staff;
- creating strategies for setting and achieving learning goals.
HOW TO STUDY EFFECTIVELY - DISTANCE LEARNING EDITION
This quick guide can help students and their families make the best of less familiar distance learning environments. It can help one be ready for some of the more practical aspects of learning from home.
1. ESTABLISH A ROUTINE
It is important to develop good habits from the start – to create a flexible routine and talk about how it’s working over time. Careerline recommends spending at least 3-4 hours per week of study time, to ensure a timely course completion.
2. SETTING UP A PHYSICAL LEARNING AREA
Your usual learning space for occasional homework may not work for extended periods. It is advisable to set up a physical location that’s dedicated to school-focused activities. Make sure it is quiet, free from distractions, and has a good internet connection.
3. COMMUNICATE REGULARLY
Our tutors mainly communicate through our Student Learning Area website and/or through email (1-2 business days turnaround time). Make sure to stay in contact with your assigned tutor or Student Services, for any lesson-related and administrative concerns. However, please do understand it may take a day or two for us to respond (office hours: Mon to Fri, 09:00 to 17:00 AEST).
4. HELP STUDENTS “OWN’ THEIR LEARNING
No one expects parents to be full-time teachers or to be educational and content matter experts. Provide support and encouragement, and expect your children to do their part. Struggling is allowed, normal, and encouraged! Don’t help too much. Becoming independent takes lots of practice.
5. STARTING AND ENDING THE DAY WITH A CHECK-IN
Having brief conversations such as “how did you study go?” or “how far did you get in your learning tasks today?” matter. Checking in on students to process instructions & feedback received from their tutors help them develop self-management and set priorities – even older students too. Not everyone thrive in distance learning; some struggle with too much independence or lack of structure.
6. MANAGING STRESS
We are going through unprecedented times, and there’s a great deal of anxiety in the world right now. Emotions may be running high, and both parents and their children may be feel worried, stressed, and fearful. Children benefit when they get ongoing reassurance from trusted adults. Parents are great life coaches!
We have put in place layers of support for Careerline students, so please don’t hesitate to contact Student Services (or the assigned tutor) if you need assistance (e.g. temporary course hold, enrollment extensions, etc). Despite the circumstances, it’s possible to reframe challenges as opportunities – a chance to slow down, find beauty, and enjoy unexpected benefits.
7. MONITOR ON-SCREEN/ ONLINE TIME
Online learning does not mean staring at computer screens for extended hours every day. Our self-paced learning model allows flexibility and balance between online and close-space offline learning experiences. Parents and students are encouraged to work together in finding ways to prevent ‘down time’ from becoming just more ‘screen time’. Careerline also offers printed notes as an optional add-on for students 1) with little to no access to a computer/ laptop; or 2) who simply prefers hard copy notes.
