Curb That Distance Learning Anxiety

I’ve written about the change of virtual learning before (read here). But this time, it’s different. Students and teachers have endured a lot more changes recently. As teachers, we have had to learn a lot of new skills to teach effectively on the virtual learning platform. It hasn’t been easy and it has taken a lot of time and hard work. Not only are our students learning all of these new platforms, but they are also learning the skills that are the foundation to the rest of their academic education.

Yes, some of our students are thriving. It’s like they were made for this type of learning. However, a lot of our students are so concerned about how to find the zoom class, find the assignment, and how to submit an assignment that the actual learning of the academic skills just aren’t getting in at the moment. Change produces anxiety! So it’s even harder for them to focus right now.

As teachers (and/or parents), there are some things that we can do to help ease their anxiety around the change in our schooling system.

1. Prepare the child as much as possible. Explain things. What will they see when they get to the website, what button will they push, how will their assignment get graded, what do they do if they need help, etc. etc. Children are naturally inquisitive and are also extra nervous right now. Preparation is key!

2. Praise them! “You logged onto zoom! WONDERFUL! I’m so glad you are here!” or “I saw you tried to submit that assignment, great!” or “I see you logged into canvas today to see your assignments…excellent!” They are trying. Praise the little things, not just the big successes.

3. Point out their bravery. This is new for everyone, hard for most, and scary for some. We are all brave for trying something new. It’s scary enough to walk into school on the first day after the summer break, but even scarier to log onto a whole new platform you know nothing about! These kids (and parents and teachers) are all showing a lot of courage right now.

4. Keep your routine the same as much as possible. I know we (the adults) are still working out remote learning also — and we want to try all our new tools! But try your best to start a routine and stick to it as much as possible. Being able to predict what is coming next will help your students transition. After they are comfortable with the basics of distance learning, the students will be more open to all your wonderful new virtual tools.

5. Re-assure them. Remind them constantly that we are all in this together. Let them know you know this is different and you know this is hard. Let them know you are here to help.

6. Take a breath (with the students) and give everyone some space and time to learn all of these new skills. Try not to show your frustration if something isn’t working right. Seeing that you are calm and working on learning new things will promote the students to be calm and open to diving into this new way of learning also!

I have faith in all of the teachers that we can assure our students that (just like us) they will learn these new tools and they will start thriving in this new learning environment.