Setting SMART Goals for Virtual Learning

Online learning has already begun to change the way that schools and educators around the world teach their students, along with a large impact on how those students learn and develop. With many institutions adapting to newer ways of virtual learning, some have been met with success while others have faced challenges. S.M.A.R.T. goals are part of a widely popular framework for many educators that can help set up classrooms for success. Here, the ed-tech professionals at SchoolMart discuss how to set SMART goals specifically for virtual learning and how they can help your classroom become more productive and goal-oriented. 

Make SMART Goals Specific & Measurable

Keep your goals for your virtual learning program as specific as possible. Ask yourself as an educator, what is my primary objective for my students? Furthermore, it is important to outline what your students should accomplish in order to be deemed successful in your virtual learning program. Virtual learning provides educators with the benefits of the ability to utilize different tools to track a student’s progress and performance. Select several different metrics to be tracked over a certain period of time, i.e. quarterly, monthly, etc., and track those for each of your students. Metrics can include their personal achievements, progress in a course, or engagement in the virtual classroom. This will help you, as an educator, not only track the progress of each individual student but also serve as a way to gauge how your overall virtual learning program is performing towards reaching your intended goals. 

SMART Goals Should be Agreed Upon & Time-Bound

The goals and expectations for your virtual learning classroom must also be agreed upon by all parties involved: the teacher, students, and even parents. Everyone must agree to work towards the same outlined goal to reach success by the end of the program, as well as follow all instructed guidelines through any of the plans or resources provided by the educator. Even though creativity should be encouraged, students should follow the clear shared goal outlined by their teacher while using only the appropriate and acceptable virtual resources. Additionally, educators should set a definitive date on when certain goals should be completed or accomplished. When introducing a new online program or tool, or even just virtual learning in general, a learning curve could cause setbacks or procrastination. By instituting time stamps on when goals should be accomplished, as well as scheduled checkpoints to review progress or make adjustments, both educators and students will be able to work more efficiently and cohesively to achieve their goals in the virtual classroom. 

Make SMART Goals Realistic 

In order to create true SMART goals for virtual learning, each and every goal needs to be realistic. Even though some goals should be challenging for students, they must align with the combined potential of your students and the resources available. These goals should be realistically attainable in respect to your experience and workings as an educator, the abilities of and opportunities provided to your students, as well as the classroom environment. If the goal is truly the best fit and realistic, it will challenge your students but also lead the class to success. 

Learn More About How the Ed-Tech Professionals at SchoolMart Can Help You

Virtual learning is arguably not going anywhere soon and may become the new normal for some students or classrooms. In order to keep your classroom environment goal-oriented and your students engaged and productive, set SMART goals using the tips provided. To learn more about setting SMART goals for your virtual classroom as well as how virtual learning will impact your classroom and your student’s education, contact us today.