Weekly Planner
July 4th, 2007(Please insert copy here)
Anywhere, Anytime Learning
The Massachusetts Distance Learning Project is a statewide partnership that provides free access to education beyond the classroom for ABE, GED, and ESOL learners.
Information for:
Meet our distance learners in our "Stay the Course, Go the Distance" video. (Note: requires RealPlayer, available here.)
Overview: Distance Learning Student Orientation
June 6th, 2007Welcome to distance learning! The orientation modules on these pages have been created to help you succeed as a distance learner.
The information and activities in these learning mocules will help you to:
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Set goals
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Identify distance learning barriers and supports
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Improve time management and study skills
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Identify key technical skills needed to study at a distancec
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Communicate effectively at a distance with an instructor
You can benefit from these modules even if you are not a distance learner. The skills reviewed will be helpful to you as a classroom ABE learner, too. If you ever decide to study at a distance, you will have already learned about the necessary skills you need to succeed!
After reading the Introduction, please return to this Table of Contents to begin your skills review journey.
Table of Contents
Before You Begin
Planning
Getting Started
Staying On Track
Additional Resource
Introduction
May 30th, 2007Answers to the following questions will introduce you to distance learning and identify key skills for student success.
Student and Teacher Contact Information Form
May 30th, 2007
It may take a short time before you and your teacher establish a system of communication that works best for the two of you. In distance learning, communicating with your teacher in a timely fashion is important for your success.
Download this form to exchange contact information with your teacher.
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Student-Teacher Contact Information |
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Student |
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Telephone |
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Cell phone |
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Best day(s) to telephone |
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Best time of day to telephone |
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Primary e-mail address |
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US mail Address |
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Teacher |
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Telephone |
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Cell phone |
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Best day(s) to telephone |
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Best time of day to telephone |
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Primary e-mail address |
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US mail Address |
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Adult Education Program |
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Program name |
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Address |
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Telephone |
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Hours of Operation |
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Other contact notes: |
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This page ends the Communication Skills section and concludes the distance learning student orientation.
Return to the Table of Contents.
Modes of Communication and Effective Strategies
May 30th, 2007In addition to the types of communication listed here, your teacher may use other methods to communicate with her students. Examples of other methods are discussion boards, real-time electronic chatting, or something that is unique to the program you are attending. The most common modes of communication and tips for effectively using each are addressed in the table below.
Whatever forms of communication you and your teacher use, these tips can help you communicate more effectively.
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Mode of Communication |
Suggestions for Effective Use |
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Telephone |
When using the telephone, there are some basic guidelines for making the most of your call.
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Telephone Answering Machine |
If you must leave a recorded message for your teacher:
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E-Mail |
E-mail is a good way to stay connected with your teacher. It allows each of you to communicate at times that are most convenient.
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Face-to-Face |
Make the most of your limited face-to-face contact with your teacher by coming prepared.
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Previous Page Next: Student and Teacher Contact Information Form
Student and Teacher Communication
May 30th, 2007Students and teachers will communicate to:
- Answer questions you may have about your studies
- Make appointments to meet face-to-face with your teacher
- Send completed work to your teacher
- Receive feedback on your completed work
- Receive instructions on how to do something
- Receive Web links for extended work in one or more academic areas
- Provide counseling
- Monitor your progress
Study Skills
May 30th, 2007
Now that you have a plan, you will have more time for studying! Review the study tips below to help you use your time effectively. Evaluate and revise your study plan regularly and make any necessary adjustments. If you follow your plan you will make progress.
Study Tips
- Identify best times for studying
- Find a good place for studying
- Study in small blocks of time more often
- Work on the most difficult subjects first
- Combine studying with other activities
When is your best time to study?
Identify your "Best Time" for studying. Everyone has high and low periods of attention and concentration. Are you a "morning person" or a "night person"? Work with your schedule and available times; use your best times for studying so you will get the most out of the time you have.
Where is the best place to study?
Some people study best alone in a quiet spot that is free of distractions. Others need a library or space where people are close by and are also working quietly. Some find background music helps with concentration. Try out any options that you think may help you. Evaluate how effective your study space is and make any changes that may help you.
What is a good study plan?
Study tips suggest that working in daily shorter periods instead of one large block of time each week is more effective. Also, starting on the most challenging subject is recommended for greatest gains. Try these tips out to see how they work with your plan.
How can I make more time for studying?
Using the time you have most effectively is a key to success. Try combining studying with other activities to take advantage of available time, for example, bring a book to an appointment, or write an essay draft while doing a laundry. Sometimes making a list of short study activities can be helpful for using spare moments productively.
Work smarter not harder!
This page ends the Time Management and Study Skills section.
Five-Step Time Management Plan
May 30th, 2007
- Set goals
- Become aware of how you use your time
- Make a plan and create a schedule
- Eliminate or minimize time wasters
- Evaluate your plan and make necessary changes
What are your learning goals?
Setting goals will help motivate you to manage time more effectively. If you are working toward a goal, you have a reason to use your time most efficiently. Try reviewing your goals before you try out the remaining time management steps.
Do you use your time effectively?
Most people do not have a clear idea of how many hours they spend on daily activities. Becoming aware of how you use your time will help you plan more effectively for your distance learning work. If you keep a record of how you spend your time for a day/week, you may find ways to create extra time to study.
Have you tried making a plan?
Complete the weekly planner to find free periods of time. After filling in the blocks of time with your current activities, fill in open times for your school work. Create realistic targets and stick to them. Your distance learning program will provide you with a log to keep track of the hours you spend on school work.
Can you make more time?
Finding extra time is a challenge. Check your weekly planner regularly for open time blocks and also consider activities that you can spend less time on, for example; watching TV or talking on the phone. Try to make small changes in the way you use your time. This may bring big results when you free up time for activities that will help you reach your goals.
Are you making progress?
The steps above are examples of how you can approach your personal time management. You will need to experiment with what works best. Evaluate your plan regularly and make any changes necessary to improve your results.
Communication Skills
May 30th, 2007When you are enrolled in a distance learning course, you and your teacher will find it necessary to communicate with each other for a variety of reasons. Being a distance learner, however, means less face-to-face contact with your teacher, and greater reliance on other modes of communication to stay in touch regarding your studies.
In the Communication section you will be introduced to:
- The importance of maintaining regular contact with your teacher
- The various modes of communication that may be available to you
Time Management and Study Skills
May 30th, 2007Good time management is one of the keys to success in distance learning. It’s also a skill you’ll find very useful throughout your life. Developing good time management skills is a process that needs practice and support along the way. When you develop new ways to manage your schedule, you will have more time for studying. Your distance learning program will provide opportunities for you to build better time management and study skills.
In Time Management and Study Skills you will:
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Learn about a Five-Step Time Management Plan and complete a weekly planner
- Review Study Skills and consider the strategies that may work for you
