October is here. Along with the Autumn, cold weather and Halloween, it brings with it an important occasion in the world of education: World Dyslexia Awareness Day, which falls on the 8th of this month, to be specific This day serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by individuals with dyslexia, a learning difference that affects the way people process and understand written language. Let’s take a look into what dyslexia is, its impact on remote learners, and offer valuable tips to empower those with dyslexia in the digital classroom.
Dyslexia is a neurological condition that primarily affects reading and language processing skills. It is not related to intelligence, and individuals with dyslexia often possess creative and innovative thinking abilities.
Dyslexia can manifest differently in each person, but common challenges include:
Difficulty with phonological awareness: Individuals with dyslexia may struggle to identify and manipulate the sounds within words, which can hinder their reading and spelling abilities.
Slow reading and decoding: Dyslexic learners may read more slowly and have difficulty accurately decoding words, which can lead to frustration and anxiety.
Working memory challenges: Remembering and processing information in real time can be challenging for individuals with dyslexia.
Spelling difficulties: Dyslexia often results in spelling errors and difficulty retaining spelling rules.
Dyslexia should never be seen as a limitation; instead, it can be a source of unique strengths and perspectives. History is full of individuals who not only coped with it but actually did quite well for themselves, too. The brilliant physicist Albert Einstein, renowned for his groundbreaking theories on relativity, for one. His ability to visualise complex scientific concepts and think creatively was undoubtedly influenced by his unique cognitive processes. Similarly, successful entrepreneurs such as Richard Branson and Ingvar Kamprad, the founder of IKEA, have openly shared their diagnoses.
These individuals and many others demonstrate that dyslexia need not hold anyone back. With the right support, strategies, and a belief in their own abilities, individuals with it can achieve extraordinary success and contribute significantly to society. It is by no means a roadblock; rather, an invitation to think differently.
The rise of remote learning has brought both opportunities and challenges for students with dyslexia. While the flexibility of online education can be advantageous, it also presents unique obstacles:
Screen Fatigue: Excessive screen time can exacerbate eye strain and fatigue for dyslexic learners, making it more challenging to focus on reading assignments.
Reduced Teacher Interaction: Remote learning may limit one-on-one interaction with teachers, making it difficult for dyslexic students to seek help when needed.
Navigating Digital Platforms: Dyslexic learners may face difficulties navigating digital platforms and software tools, leading to frustration and decreased confidence.
Independent Study: Remote learning often requires more independent study, which can be daunting for students with dyslexia who benefit from additional support.
Now, let’s explore practical strategies to help dyslexic students thrive in the remote learning environment:
Text-to-Speech Software: Text-to-speech (TTS) software can be a game-changer for dyslexic learners. It reads aloud digital text, helping students with reading comprehension and reducing the cognitive load of decoding words. Encourage students to use TTS tools for e-books, articles, and instructional materials.
Practice Mindful Screen Time: To combat screen fatigue, encourage regular breaks and the use of blue-light filters on devices. Establish a comfortable workspace with proper lighting to reduce eye strain.
Structured Learning Routine: Establish a structured daily routine that includes designated study times. Consistency helps students with dyslexia manage their time effectively and stay organised.
Accessible Learning Materials: Ensure that all digital learning materials are dyslexia-friendly. Use fonts like Arial or Verdana, which are easier to read, and provide transcripts or captions for multimedia content.
Visual Aids and Graphic Organisers: Incorporate visual aids and graphic organisers to help students organise their thoughts and better comprehend complex topics.
Use Audiobooks and Podcasts: Audiobooks and podcasts can be powerful learning tools for dyslexic students. Encourage them to explore subjects through auditory learning.
Foster Self-Advocacy: Teach students how to self-advocate by communicating their needs to teachers and seeking assistance when necessary. Encourage them to use virtual office hours and email for support.
Mindfulness and Stress Reduction: Dyslexic learners may experience anxiety related to their condition. Promote mindfulness practices and relaxation techniques to help students manage stress.
Peer Support and Online Communities: Connect students with dyslexia to online communities and support groups where they can share experiences, tips, and encouragement with peers
World Dyslexia Awareness Day reminds us of the importance of understanding and supporting individuals with dyslexia, especially in the context of remote learning. While it presents unique challenges, it should never be a barrier to education.
By implementing the strategies mentioned above and fostering a supportive learning environment, we can empower affected learners to excel in the digital classroom and beyond. And if you or anyone close to you has dyslexia, remember: it’s not a disadvantage, it’s a difference.
Perfectionism is not, in and of itself, a negative trait. Perfectionists are often conscientious high achievers; our greatest weakness is also our greatest strength. But those trying to be constantly perfect can find that every task feels like an unconquerable burden and every essay a path to failure, however unlikely our friends and family might find our doom-laden predictions. Here are three thoughts to use to beat the unrealistic idealism that may currently be beating you.
What is perfect, anyway? Maybe you could decide. Perhaps perfection could simply mean sitting down at your messy desk, ignoring the clothes on the floor, and spending 10 minutes planning the first half of your essay. In this deeply imperfect and challenging world, if you were to be reasonable with yourself, your definition of perfect should, and could, be different. Redefine perfection: make it doable and make it your own.
A to-do list is a depressing sight, if, at every item, we are telling ourselves that we ‘have to’ or ‘must’ do this or that. But turn ‘have to’ into ‘get to’ and suddenly life seems more joyful. Perhaps it is an irritating piece of advice, an unwelcome call to simply have more gratitude, but studying is essentially an overwhelmingly positive thing. You are learning and growing, and you have access to great materials and educated teachers; you are lucky. And so, even if it feels at first like you are lying to yourself, tell yourself, next time you inspect your to-do list: “I get to plan my essay today”.
We will do it, but we are waiting for the perfect time when we are in the mood. Because we know we can do it well, and not just well but REALLY well. And so that is the aim. This isn’t laziness, for the fear is real: we cannot bear to submit anything less than our best; we cannot tolerate failure; and we want to be proud of what we have achieved. We have visualised (or we think we have) the perfect essay or assignment. But the truth is that you have a deadline. Perhaps you could achieve perfection if you had eternity to complete it. But you don’t. Most tasks have a timeline, whether it is 6 years to complete a part-time PhD, or one night to finish an essay. And the test is not what you can achieve, but what you can achieve in the time you have to complete it. The definition of perfect might simply be this: finished.
Questions are powerful tools used in attaining knowledge, problem solving and making connections. Asking them is essential. It helps us identify gaps in our understanding and make sure we’re on the right track when finding solutions. They also help us engage in meaningful conversations, build trust, and develop relationships.
Asking questions might sound like just a simple thing, but it is still one of the most important skills in life. Whether you are a student, an employee, or a parent, they will always lead you to the information and answers you need to make informed decisions.
From a student’s perspective, questions open up a whole new world of learning opportunities. When we ask, we open up a dialogue between ourselves and others. It encourages collaboration and can help us to gain beneficial new perspectives. Asking questions can also help us to better understand a situation and make more informed decisions. It can also help us in thinking more critically.
Asking question will help you gain a better understanding of your learning material as you progress through a course. Asking questions can also make you stand out in a classroom setting and can help you develop relationships with your teachers.
In addition to learning and building relationships, enquiring after something will inform your decision making skills. By asking, you are giving yourself the opportunity to get all the facts and information before you decide on a course of action. Asking questions can gives you gain a better understanding of a situation and can helps you evaluate the pros and cons.
Of course, asking questions remains important throughout life, and if you are the parent or guardian of a child studying at school or at home, they will help you stay connected as they learn and experience the ups and downs of education. They will provide insight into their thoughts, feelings, and behaviour, and can help you encourage them to think critically and make responsible decisions.
So, the next time you’re in a situation where you arn’t sure about something, don’t be afraid to ask!
Reflection is a powerful tool that can be used in any learning process. It involves taking the time to think about what you have learned and how it can be applied to future experiences. It is a key component of learning because it helps to deepen understanding, promote self-awareness, and form connections between new and existing knowledge.
Reflection engages the learner in meaningful self-examination. When used as part of the learning process, it can help the learner to think critically about what they have learned and how it can be applied to future situations. In this way, they can come to a better understanding of the material they are studying and how it can be used to their advantage.
Reflection is extremely useful for learners in assessing their progress and identifying areas that need improvement. By looking back over their work, students can recognise what they have done well and what needs to be improved. This enables them to take proactive steps to make the necessary changes to their approach. It means learners will develop a greater awareness of their strengths and weaknesses, and recognise their areas of growth.
Reflection promotes self-awareness, which is essential for successful learning. By taking the time to reflect on what they have learned, the student can gain insight into their own strengths and weaknesses. This will help them identify which areas they can improve, recognise their achievements and ultimately provide a greater sense of confidence in their own abilities. This confidence will, in turn, give a greater sense of pride in their work. Having this will serve as motivation to continue learning to the best of their ability.
Reflection is also important in developing empathy and understanding. When reflecting on their work, students can consider the perspectives of others and gain insight into the experiences of those around them. This can help to foster an environment of understanding and cooperation.
Finally, this method helps to form connections between new and existing knowledge. By reflecting on what has been learned, the student can make the necessary connections between different pieces of information and gain a better understanding how they all fit together. This helps create a more cohesive understanding of the material they are studying and make it easier to recall and apply in future situations, such as an exam.
By taking the time to look back at what has been learned, you can gain deeper understanding, improved self-awareness, and create connections between different pieces of knowledge. Reflection is therefore an important tool for any learner and should not be overlooked.
Feel overwhelmed by the amount of learning you need to do and don’t know where to start? Well, developing a learning plan is the best way to ensure that you are able to break down and organise your tasks, prioritise the most important ones, and stay motivated. Take the time to plan out your learning journey in advance and you’ll be more likely to stay organised and attain your goals. Here are some tips…
The first step is to identify your goals. Think about what skills you wish to acquire and what knowledge you want to gain. This will help you determine what areas you need to focus on and what resources are necessary to meet your objectives.
Once you’ve identified your learning goals, the next step is to set realistic time-frames. Decide how long you need to reach each goal and prioritise the most important ones, while also allowing yourself enough time to learn the material.
Breaking down your tasks into smaller, more manageable chunks. You can do this by focusing on one topic at a time or breaking down the material into smaller sections.
Creating a schedule and sticking to it is essential. Be sure to include specific tasks and know how long you will spend on each one. The same goes for other activities, including breaks and review sessions.
Taking advantage of the resources available to you is an important part of developing your learning plan. Look into online courses, textbooks, and other materials to help you learn the material more efficiently.
Having a support system in place is key to staying motivated and focused on your learning journey. Find a mentor or a study group to help you stay on track and provide feedback or advice when needed.
Developing a learning plan is essential for staying organised and achieving your goals. By following these steps, you’ll be able to create a plan that works for you and helps you stay motivated throughout your learning journey.
Remote learning has become increasingly commonplace in recent times, and many students around the world have had to cope with a shift away from in-person learning. And although remote learning can be a great way to stay up to date on course material, it also presents a number of challenges and that many students can find it difficult to adjust to. It can be overwhelming to suddenly have to switch from traditional in-class learning to a virtual learning environment. But with the right tips and tricks, it is possible to make the transition easier. Here are some to help you get the most out of your experience.
This is especially important if you are sharing a home with multiple people. Find a space that is quiet and free from distractions. Make sure you have access to everything you need, such as pens, paper, and a laptop. Invest in the whatever equipment you deem necessary, likely including a desk, a comfortable chair, and always a reliable internet connection.
Remote learning can be overwhelming if you don’t keep yourself organised. Set aside specific times for assignments, studying, and breaks. Try to stick to this schedule as much as possible. This will help you stay focused and organised. Start by setting a regular bedtime and wake-up time, then create a block schedule that includes dedicated times for classes, studying, and breaks. Remote learning requires a lot of organisation. Make sure to have a designated area to work, with all your supplies and materials close by, and create a daily routine to keep yourself on track.
Furthermore, create a study plan. Set aside specific times of day for studying, and create a plan for how you will use your time. This will help you stay focused and motivated. Keep track of all your assignments, deadlines, and resources in one easy-to-access place. Use a planner or an online calendar to keep track of important dates and to-do lists. Also, stay in communication with your instructors and peers. Remote learning can be isolating, so make sure to stay in touch with your classmates and teachers. Utilise video conferencing tools, such as Zoom or Google Hangouts, to stay connected with your classmates and participate in virtual study groups.
It is also important to be proactive. Don’t wait for your teacher to assign tasks; take the initiative and start working on your assignments as soon as possible. This will help you stay ahead of the game and ensure that you are on top of your work. Ask questions if you don’t understand something and don’t be afraid to reach out for help. When studying from your home. your tutors will be available through email or other online platforms.
Finally, don’t forget to practice self-care. Be sure to take breaks throughout the day to relax and unwind. Make time for exercise, hobbies, and socialising with friends and family. Whilst remote learning can sometimes be stressful, with the right strategies and mindset, the transition will be smoother and you will find success.
According to the National Autistic Society, there are around 700,000 autistic adults and children in the UK. Autism is considered to be a lifelong developmental disability which affects how people communicate and interact with the world.
If you have autism, you are considered to be neurodiverse and neurodivergent. This is a non-medical broad term that describes people with variation in their mental functions. Autistic people are known for their real passion for a subject they are interested in and make wonderful learners. However, the challenge is that they often can feel alone and misunderstood, which doesn’t help make for a positive learning experience.
It is believed that 2.4% of the UK student population are diagnosed with autism, and they are 10 times more likely than neurotypical students to drop out, as less than 40% of autistic people complete their university education. So, there is much that needs to be done to improve the learning experience for you.
Difficulties with communication, interaction and relating to fellow students and teachers as well as people in general.
Difficulties processing information in a fast and accurate manner, and in keeping up with the pace of other students.
Restricted interests and repetitive behaviours.
Difficulties with reading and comprehension.
Heightened anxiety if things change unexpectedly, at short notice and especially when sitting exams.
The first and most important step is to share your challenges, in confidence, with your teachers, so that they understand your needs and can help adjust things for you. It’s important for them to gain the background knowledge on how to effectively teach so you can achieve the best result possible.
It is also important for you to support yourself too. Here are five ideas for improving your own experience whilst studying:
Develop a deeper understanding and knowledge of your own learning style. Autistic children and adults are often visual learners. This could be because visual information lasts longer and is more concrete than spoken and heard information. If you don’t understand a theory or concept, ask your teacher to write it down and if possible, to draw it.
If you’re struggling with information overload and it’s causing you anxiety, ask your teachers if the topic can be broken down into smaller more manageable chunks, this will make it easier for you to understand.
Ask for advance information on any changes to study schedules, such as changes of dates, places or times, or any new subjects coming up which allow you to plan and spend time reading about it. This will help to reduce your anxiety.
If you are struggling with the anxiety caused by the uncertainty of exams, speak to your school or college’s disability services if it has such a provision, they may be able to provide alternative assessment through coursework rather than exams.
If you need more time to grasp a concept, ask for it. Try to remember that everyone learns at a different pace and just because someone completed something quickly, doesn’t mean to say they fully understood it.
Find a support network – Speak to the disability service or your teachers to ask them if they can connect you with other autistic students at the institution. It helps to be able to share experiences and help each other.
Finally, it’s important to always remember that your dedication and passion for your subject, combined with your logical thinking ability and your capability for alternate problem solving and creativity, are wonderful traits for a student to have.
A final note
It is World Autism Awareness Day on Sunday the 2nd of April, this weekend, and the best place to find more on this is to take a look at the UN’s specifically designated website, which you can find by clicking here.
Critical thinking skills allow you to evaluate and analyze information from different perspectives. It involves the ability to objectively analyze and evaluate information, arguments, and opinions, and to form your own conclusions based on evidence.
To craft an effective argument, you will need to consider information from more than one source and evaluate each of them to assess their reliability in supporting your argument.
Let’s take a look at why a broad range of perspectives on a subject can make your assignments more concise and reinforce your arguments, and ultimately improve your thought process.
You may go into an assignment with a conclusion in mind already, but that can severely limit the scope of your work and cloud your approach to finding sources. Remaining neutral and considering multiple perspectives promotes open-mindedness and flexibility in your thinking. It allows you to challenge your assumptions and biases and see issues from different angles.
By understanding these different perspectives, and applying facts and context you can work towards finding a balanced argument before making your own judgement.
When you consider multiple perspectives, you are encouraged to critically evaluate information and arguments from different sources. This can help you identify biases and flaws in reasoning and make more informed judgments. Additionally, by comparing and contrasting different perspectives, you can identify the strengths and weaknesses of different arguments and positions.
Once you’ve made your comparisons, now is the time to pick your side. Fortunately, you’ll have plenty of evidence and analysis to justify your answer.
Considering multiple perspectives fosters intellectual humility, which is the recognition that our beliefs and ideas may be flawed or incomplete. By acknowledging that there may be different viewpoints on an issue, you can become more open to learning from others and adjusting your views based on new information.
A flexible thinker is capable of applying logic instead of making assumptions based on taking things at face value.
For any given assignment, find as many sources of information as you can and always be objective. If you do that, you’ll end up wishing the word count were longer. Considering as many facts and points of view as possible is not only key to being a great student, but will also help you better understand the world around you.
In short, the more information you have to hand, the more balanced and critical your thinking can be.
March 11th, 2023 marks three years since the World Health Organisation (WHO) declared Covid-19 a pandemic.
The world is still grappling with a new way of living. One of the most remarkable changes is the shift in how people live and learn, thanks mainly to the increases in distance learning and remote working. In 2022, the number of students who prefer online learning had increased by 220%. And as of February 2022, 42% of people said they had adopted a hybrid working pattern – working from home most of the time and sometimes attending their usual place of work.
Distance learning occurs outside a traditional classroom setting, including e-learning and online learning. One of the most significant changes to the learning landscape is that it is now possible to access a wealth of educational content anytime and anywhere. Many distance learning platforms offer video-based classes, lectures, and e-books to supplement or replace traditional classroom learning.
Distance learning has revolutionised how people learn by offering students greater flexibility, work-life balance, and control over their education and futures. Commitments such as being a carer for a disabled or elderly adult, looking after children, or even sleep disturbances can hinder education and work. But distance-learning and remote working can help accommodate life’s difficult circumstances. Its flexibility can also be invaluable to those with physical disabilities, neurodiverse conditions, and mental health problems.
A great example of an online learning tool that might work well for those interested in learning languages is Lingoda. It operates 24/7, and is a great tool to help you learn anytime. Although it’s a paid service, if you complete a ‘sprint challenge’ (30 lessons in 2 months) you’ll receive 50% cash back. If you complete a super-sprint challenge (60 lessons in two months) you’ll get 100% cashback. Now that’s some serious motivation!
The pandemic and evolving technologies
One of the most significant technological developments has been the growth of cloud computing. Cloud computing refers to how an organisation or person’s information is stored, allowing remote access through the internet. Everything from WhatsApp to Google Photos is an example of cloud computing.
Blackboard Learn uses cloud technologies to deliver interactive and immersive experiences for students and teachers. The cloud has also empowered organisations to store large amounts of data and video without physical storage or equipment.
Another significant advancement has been the growth of video conferencing software, such as Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and Google Meet. These tools have provided:
An effective platform for virtual classes and meetings.
The ability of teachers and instructors to deliver lectures to students.
Teachers and students to interact in real-time, as in a physical classroom.
Despite all the positive changes in work and learning that the pandemic has encouraged, it’s not all good news.
Although working from home may provide more flexibility and convenience, it vastly differs from a traditional office environment, leaving many employees struggling with isolation, loneliness, and social interaction. Remote work often blurs the boundaries between personal and professional time, giving some workers unprecedented stress due to a never-ending workload.
The economic dislocation caused by the pandemic has also been far-reaching, resulting in millions of people losing their jobs or facing reduced wages. This has negatively impacted many households, damaging their ability to pay their bills and support themselves or their families.
Perhaps the best way to address these challenges is to integrate increased social interaction and support systems into remote work and education. Although nothing can replicate face-to-face interaction, initiatives like online book groups or social clubs, where you can have fun and engaging discussions with colleagues or fellow students outside the working environment, could be beneficial.
There’s no absolute answer to overcoming these challenges. All we can continue to do is try and find a balance that helps students and employees feel fulfilled in their work and lives.
Most of us have experienced the sinking feeling, jitteriness, and avoidant thought patterns that can accompany the prospect of writing an assignment. Even if your mind is buzzing with thoughts and ideas, actually getting them all down in words can seem utterly overwhelming. So you end up unable to think about anything else, but equally unable to get started. This is blank page syndrome (also known as writer’s block).
Blank page syndrome often occurs when life is already stressful in other areas. That can mean work, family, friends, health or fatigue. If you’re in a state of anxiety and on top of that, you have an assignment to do, when you first try to put pen to paper or finger to keyboard you may well find your hand freezes and an empty page or screen stares back, grimly reminding you that you should be writing – but aren’t.
It’s easy to fall into a vicious cycle. You try to make yourself write, and get stressed; the more stressed you feel, the less able you are to write, to the point where you might be better off taking a temporary break and focusing on some self-care. But somehow, that assignment has to be written. The following suggestions might help:
Jot ideas down for just three minutes, against the clock. You don’t have to write full sentences or paragraphs yet; use key words, bullet points, spider diagrams… just capture those ideas in any way you can. There’s an old saying: ‘How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time.’ That three minutes was your first bite; you’ve started already. Now try timing a slightly longer session – perhaps seven minutes this time – in which you expand these ideas in a little more detail.
You might be over-thinking the introduction. Why not start in the middle – or anywhere you like? It doesn’t have to be perfect; just get some thoughts down on that page, and then you can tidy them up later.
Try to divide the assignment into sections. Work for a timed period, maybe 45 minutes, on each section. Or, if you prefer, work until you’ve achieved a targeted number of words on a section. Reward yourself in some small way – a chat to a friend, a coffee, a TV show, exercise – for achieving each work session or word target. Be proud of yourself!
A simple change can stimulate your creativity. If you usually work at home, try the library or café. Or at least tidy your desk and clear some more space for yourself. You could work on each section of your assignment in a different setting – even if that just means moving between different rooms in your home.
If you still can’t see the wood for the trees, this exercise might help. Try writing down, and finishing, the following three sentences: 1) I can’t write my assignment because… 2) I want to write my assignment because… 3) I will write my assignment because…. This exercise might help you to clear your head, understand your feelings a little more, and find a way forward.
All being well, at least one of these strategies will help you to overcome blank page syndrome and get that assignment written. But if you still feel stuck, there’s nothing wrong with asking for help. Talk to your tutor, who will advise you on new ways to approach your studies. Good luck!