Remote Learning

Remote learning takes place when students are not physically in attendance at their school but provision has been put in place to follow their usual learning schedule (for example a school timetable).

Day 41 remote school class meeting by Mario A. P. (CC BY-SA 2.0)

Remote learning refers to the process of acquiring knowledge and skills through digital platforms, where students and educators are geographically separated. Unlike traditional classroom settings, remote learning leverages technology such as video conferencing, online resources, and interactive tools to facilitate engagement and collaboration between learners and educators. It offers flexibility, convenience, and the ability to connect with a diverse audience, transcending physical barriers. This means that remote learning usually falls under the category of synchronous learning and can be contrasted with virtual learning which generally focuses more on asynchronous learning. Reasons for undertaking remote learning instead of physically attending school may include student illness or school closures.

What's the difference between remote learning and distance learning?

Distance learning encompasses forms of learning where students and educators are geographically separated. It predates the digital age and began with the sending of written letters, books and other materials via postal services, and has developed in tandem with broader developments in technology. Distance learning may not (and, in its early days, could not) involve real-time interactions. Remote learning tends to refer to the subset of distance learning opportunities that use technology to bridge the physical distance between learners and educators in such a way that allows live (synchronous) interactions. These mostly take place online by way of discussion boards, videoconferencing and self-paced activities and online assessments.

In recent years, the world of education has witnessed a significant shift towards remote learning, enabled by advancements in technology and connectivity, and encouraged by the Covid-19 pandemic. Museum educators, in particular, have a unique opportunity (and, again with reference to the pandemic, a necessity) to embrace this digital transformation and expand their reach beyond physical spaces.

In 2020's pandemic-necessitated lockdowns school buildings were closed and teachers pivoted to delivering lessons online from their own homes to students who were in theirs. As schools reopened but social distancing and self-isolation continued, many teachers found themselves delivering hybrid learning to any conceivable combination of on-site and remote students: during one period of self-isolation I taught lessons from my dining room table to students who were in our normal classroom, supervised by a cover teacher.

Many museum education teams saw the potential in offering their own remote learning opportunities to schools and in many cases to the general public. As museum educators continue to adapt to the digital realm, remote learning remains an invaluable tool for expanding their educational outreach. By harnessing digital skills, museum educators can create engaging virtual experiences that bring the wonders of museums to learners across the globe. Here are a few ways museum educators have enhanced and expanded their learning offers:

Virtual Tours and Exhibitions

Museum educators can leverage digital tools to create immersive virtual tours, allowing learners to explore exhibitions and artifacts from the comfort of their homes. By curating interactive experiences, educators can spark curiosity, provide contextual information, and facilitate discussions around art, history, and culture, and associated themes in other fields such as science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

Online Workshops and Webinars

Remote learning enables museum educators to conduct workshops and webinars, providing in-depth insights into specific subjects. By utilizing video conferencing platforms, educators can connect with learners in real-time, fostering interactive discussions, Q&A sessions, and collaborative activities.

Multimedia Resources

Digital platforms offer museum educators the ability to curate and share a wide range of multimedia resources, including videos, podcasts, articles, and images. By creating and distributing these resources, educators can cater to various learning styles and provide supplementary materials to enrich the learning experience.

Collaboration and Networking

Remote learning opens up avenues for collaboration between museum educators, both within their institutions and beyond. By participating in virtual conferences, webinars, and online communities, educators can share best practices, exchange ideas, and broaden their professional networks. Some suggestions for museum educators who wish to work towards improving their practice, including the development of digital skills, include:

Next Steps:

1. Explore Online Courses:
   Numerous online platforms offer courses specifically designed to enhance digital skills for educators. Websites such as Alison and OpenLearn provide access to a wide range of free and paid courses covering topics like digital content creation, online engagement strategies, and education technology.
   
2. Participate in Webinars and Workshops:
   Keep an eye out for webinars and workshops organized by museums, educational institutions, and professional organisations (such as GEM). Training events aimed at museum educators may focus on leveraging technology for education, but even taking part in more general online activities can provide valuable insights and practical tips for museum educators.
   
3. Engage with Online Communities:
   Join online communities and forums dedicated to museum education and digital learning. Platforms like Twitter, Facebook groups, and professional forums allow educators to connect, share resources, and collaborate with peers from around the world.
   
4. Experiment with Digital Tools:
   Familiarize yourself with a variety of digital tools and platforms that can enhance remote learning experiences. Tools such as virtual tour creators, video editing software, interactive presentation tools, and learning management systems can help you deliver engaging and interactive content to your learners.
5. Help other museum learning professionals!
   Can you recommend any online courses; sources of webinars, workshops and online training; online communities; or digital tools? If so, and they're relevant to educators in the heritage sector please post a link (with a short explanation or review) in the comments!

Further Reading:

• In the Glossary: | Distance Learning | Virtual Classroom | Asynchronous Learning
• Elsewhere online: | How can you take your teaching online (OpenLearn course) | Learning to learn online (Alison course) |