Distance Learning during the Covid-19 School Closures: A guide for students, teachers and families during the 2020-21 school year

The Distance Learning Guide seeks to fill-in knowledge gaps that became evident following school closures. It provides a framework for students, families, and teachers to discuss vital topics, such as how and where to study in the home environment, how to cope with continuous change, and looking forward to a brighter future. The Distance Learning Guide supports distance learning by identifying some of its shortcomings but encouraging academic success and participation.

This learning guide features 18 writing/discussion prompts addressing issues such as active participation, family support, emotional strain, and distance learning challenges. It contains more than 20 additional fill-in prompts for students to record their teacher's names, daily class schedule, and weekend activities.

While many school districts strive to meet new challenges using paperless electronic formats, this printed learning guide will be a welcome and tangible benefit for many students and their families. The print format offers greater opportunity and ease of access for parents who face unprecedented challenges, including a barrage of school-sourced emails. Attractive graphics and interesting topics make the Distance Learning Guide a unique tool for reaching out to teens who are reluctant to fully engage in distance learning.

The guide was written by an education specialist at a Northern California school to aid his students and their parents/guardians in adjusting to the distance learning process.