Remote learning refers to  a learning set-up where the student and the teacher/trainer/coach, or information source, are not physically present in a traditional classroom environment. According to UNESCO, over 91% of the world's students population has been affected by school closures due to the Covid19 pandemic.¹  Remote learning provides a more realistic response to an emergency situation, as it allows the home and the school, teachers and students. to be connected in order to continue the process of education while they are working from home.

Remote Learning allows learners and students to be connected while working from home.

Since both the teacher and the learners transition from an onsite, traditional, (usually face-to-face) classroom set-up, to one that is made possible by the use of technology as an option to continue schooling, both are challenged on how to exchange information relayed through technology, such as learning management systems or virtual classrooms, discussion boards, video conferencing, and online assessments.

Ubiquitous learning is afforded by technology.

 Over and above thinking of the psycho-social condition of the students, teachers are also left into considering other things such as, but not limited to the following:²

• What kind of home environment do my students have?
• Do they have access to technology for remote learning? Who are in need of most help?
• How will they access learning materials?
• How will we communicate with each other? 
• Can their parents or others in their household help them with their school work?
• Which students will need more guidance and support from me? 

Technology Affords Ubiquitous Learning

Students and Learners are connected by Technology.

Conducting surveys that gather data about the students' background in order to identify their preparedness for remote learning whether using online or other means and resources - their connectivity, availability of gadget at home. presence of a reliable adult at home, and other factors worth noting may prove to be helpful in designing a more flexible learning continuity plan.

The concept of ubiquitous learning, that is being able to learn anywhere, anytime poses both as an inspiration and as a challenge in making learning possible amid and despite the present context. Thus, using the internet in designing lessons or online learning for those who have access seems to be a sound alternative. This is taking into consideration that all students have gadgets and connectivity at home and the teachers have adequate preparations not only in designing adaptive lessons for remote learning, but also in using the right technology that will carry out such designs. While it is true that most ubiquitous learning environments contain very advanced interactive technology,  this kind of learning can also be done in a technology-free zone.³  Students need not be online all the time in order to learn anywhere, anytime.  Teachers should be able to identify who among the students under their care need their help in the time of crisis. Can they afford to attend a synchronous or asynchronous class? Should the sessions and learning packages be printed or uploaded? Should outputs be submitted imediately?  What assessments would work for them given the situation they are in? These are some of teh questions to be considered. Remote learning in the time of Covid19, more than ever, requires not only one's knowledge and expertise in terms of content, pedagogy, and technology, but also the presence of a resilient, passionate, and empathic teacher. 

References:

¹TPD@Scale Coalition, https://tpdatscalecoalition.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Teachers-Guide-for-Remote-Learning-FINAL-April-2020.pdf

²Ibid.

3 "What is Ubiquitous Learning," https://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-ubiquitous-learning.htm