Guidelines for Online and Remote Lessons
Introduction
We take our responsibility to protect and safeguard the welfare of college members seriously. This includes students, staff and others that contribute to the delivery of our services.
To enable online learning to be delivered in a safe and considered way this guidance has been designed to give clear direction on the expectation on the conduct of all when participating in remote learning. It is supported by the Safeguarding, Student Code of Conduct & IT Code of Conduct Policies.
Safe Communication
Use trusted services - Any electronic communication (email, IM, etc) between staff and students should be via College approved platforms (Outlook, Teams, Moodle, Blackboard and authorised Facebook Groups). Other text-based communication may be used in certain circumstances but will first be recognised as safe in terms of the college’s professional boundaries guidance. Online and remote lessons are delivered on Microsoft Teams.
Don't share personal information - Students and staff should NEVER exchange personal details with each other, such as mobile phone numbers, or communicate via unauthorised platforms such as WhatsApp, iMessage, etc.
Wait for your tutor - Lessons are accessed via Microsoft Teams and students should wait for the tutor to initiate video "meetings" unless they have been scheduled in advance.
Turn your camera on - Students and staff are expected to participate in online sessions with their video and audio on, unless instructed otherwise. Body language and visual cues are important for communication. Attendance in a session may be marked as absent if a student refuses to enable their camera. If you are not able to turn your camera on please explain why to your tutor.
Using Teams
Keep it clean - Do not use any offensive backgrounds or avatars.
Use Together Mode - Together mode is a simple approach to making meetings feel better during the pandemic. It has been scientifically proven to improve your emotional state when communicating over Teams.
Use your Newbury College login/account - Access to Teams from personal email addresses is not permitted, with the exception of guest speakers.
Do not share recordings - Some online lessons may be recorded. By accessing the lesson, you are consenting to this recording. Recordings may be shared with students who were unable to attend the session or used as part of the College's internal quality assessment processes. They should NOT be shared externally (with the exception of government or awarding body partners), published on social media or saved to personal devices.
Be aware of others - Other staff members may access an online lesson as part of the College's lesson observation process or to provide support. If the student is under 18, a parent/carer has the right to observe the lesson.
Working from Home
Work from a suitable, professional environment - If possible, find somewhere that is conducive to learning and free from distractions. If this is not possible, please speak to your tutor/line-manager.
Dress professionally/appropriately - It is important to present yourself well, as you would during an on-site college lesson.
Don't shut yourself off - Try to work from a space that can be easily monitored by parents, carers or other members of your household where possible.
Keep a routine - Just because you are not "going to" college, it doesn't mean that you shouldn't get up, showered, dressed and have breakfast. This helps you to mentally prepare for the day and will help the transition when you come back to college.
Looking after yourself
Take time out - Remember to take breaks from the screen. Get up, stretch your legs and just take a moment to clear your thoughts. Try meditation of mindfulness techniques.
Get physical - Get some exercise before, between or after your classes. Go for a walk at lunchtime, do some YouTube Yoga or dance to some music.
Talk to others - Talk to someone if you are feeling overwhelmed or stressed. Talking can help you feel less alone and see your problems from another perspective.
Stay hydrated - Drinking plenty of water can help with fatigue and tiredness. Avoid sugary drinks and caffeine. If water is too boring, try no-added sugar squash.
Reporting Concerns
Staff at Newbury College follow strict guidelines set out in the Keeping Children Safe in Education (Sep 2019) Statutory guidance and Guidelines on Setting and Maintaining Professional Boundaries.
All staff interacting with students online have undertaken an Enhanced DBS check.
Report any safeguarding related concerns - This can be done via the College website or your tutor/line-manager. If you have a safeguarding concern in which there is an immediate danger to an individual or group of people, you should leave the lesson immediately and connect a member of the safeguarding team.