6 Steps to Implement Remote Learning

The shift to remote learning has not been an easy task for educators as there are many challenges that can arise when working to effectively and efficiently implement remote learning. 

Author and Curriculum Director at Libertyville District 70, Dr. Erik Youngman, understands how overwhelming it may seem to implement remote learning in your school district, so he broke down this implementation process into 6 phases. 

The purpose behind these 6 phases is to identify the different topics related to remote learning that may better inform educators.

6 Steps to Implement Remote Learning

Dr. Erik Youngman created the 6 steps to implement remote learning to familiarise educators with the idea of remote learning. While working through the phases, Dr. Youngman suggests beginning with a consideration of the phase you are currently in and then evaluating which phases you could improve or revisit.

1. Establish consistency when implementing remote learning by collaboratively creating a plan that aligns with requirements and vision while supporting the needs of students, families, and staff

This first phase Dr. Youngman describes being critical, as you must identify your stakeholders’ needs. He further explains that all districts will be identifying completely different needs. Some may be looking at the rigor of work, while others are making students are fed, or have access to technology.

2. Communicate clearly with stakeholders and train staff when implementing remote learning

When looking to implement remote learning, communication is key. Over communicating during this time can help eliminate anything that may be lost in translation while working remotely.

3. Establish culture, relationships and routines when you begin implementing remote learning

It is obvious that remote learning has shifted everyone’s routines. Dr. Youngman suggests finding a new routine that emphasizes growing relationships and establishing culture.

4. Empower learning aligned with priority standards and skills

It is important to determine your priority standards and skills, as Dr. Youngman explains you are not going to be able to cover all content as students do not have time to do so.

5. Enhance engagement, choice, connections, and creativity with remote learning

This phase begins after you have established a foundation of focus, so you can begin to think about how to empower students with choice.

6. Gather feedback to guide continuous support to prepare you to implement remote learning in the future

The final phase is all about feedback. Dr. Youngman suggests that these phases should be continually revisited as we continue to implement remote learning. As an example, his school is now analyzing student and teacher survey responses to celebrate success and find ways to continuously improve this remote learning program. 

To make these 6 steps to implement remote learning even more understandable, we put together a SlideDeck to explain the purpose of each phase:

Dr. Erik Youngman created these phases to help inform educators how to effectively implement remote learning. He suggests continually identifying which phase you are in and which phases you can improve, as there will always be ways to improve what was previously done.

Listen to full conversation with Dr. Erik Youngman

On this episode of Tackling Tech Podcast, Brett McGrath speaks to Dr. Erik Youngman, the Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment for the Libertyville School District in Chicago. Erik is an advocate for remote learning and expert of growth mindset. His book, “12 Characteristics of Deliberate Homework,” will be available May 6.