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Remote Peer Learning at Hendrix College

It is so important during these extraordinary and unprecedented times to stay connected with one another digitally, to continue learning together and offering one another encouragement and support. We have developed an online version of Peer Learning and would like to encourage students to continue attending Peer Learning Sessions on Microsoft Teams.

Microsoft Teams 

With remote teaching, we will all become very familiar with Microsoft Teams. The software offers flexibility in how you use it and has lots of different functions to adapt to your peer learning needs. To join the Hendrix Peer Learning Team, select click this link or press Join or create a team at the bottom of the teams list and type a Hendrix Peer Learning in the search box at the top right and press Enter to find the team you're looking for and select Join team. 

What can Microsoft Teams allow you to do for Peer Learning sessions?

• Weekly drop- ins: Peer Learning Associates offer a weekly drop-in session for discussion and Q&A. To let Peer Learning Associate know your attending book an appointment at https://peerlearningathendrixcollege.setmore.com/
• Group discussions: can enable group discussions, including separate messaging chat and video calls functions
• One on one sessions: to delve deeper into discussions
• Channels for themed discussions: In the Hendrix Peer Learning Team, there are different channels for the different subjects to hold discussions.
• Sharing Documents:  You can share any Microsoft files, YouTube videos, media and web links, as well as screen sharing during video calls, whilst also using various Apps to make collaborative working easier such as ‘Planner’ or “camscanner”

Peer Learning Online Operations

To ensure the best service, we will use two applications: our usual scheduling app (Setmore) and Teams.

Below is the process of making and attending an appointment:

• If you would like to meet with a Peer Learning Associate, go to https://www.hendrix.edu/AcademicSuccess/success/Default.aspx?id=70374 You will see a link that says “Book Appointment.” Click on it or go to https://peerlearningathendrixcollege.setmore.com/ and follow the instructions. The page will show you who is available and at what times.
• When you are done, you will receive an appointment notification.
• The Peer Learning Associate you booked will contact you shortly after with a Meeting Request message. That message will contain the date and time you requested, buttons to respond whether you will attend the meeting (“Yes,” “No” and “Maybe”) and a link that says, “Join Teams Meeting.”
• When the time of the meeting comes, click on the “Join Teams Meeting” link and you will be directed to a video chat. You will first see a screen that shows you the image from your camera, and a button to “Join Now” below it. Click on that button and the meeting will begin (the Peer Learning Associate should have joined already, but if not, hang in there a little longer)
• To share documents with the Peer Learning Associate through the Chat function of the video call.
  • On the video window, you will see a toolbar when you hover your mouse over it. The dialogue box picture is the Chat button, as in the image below:
  • Then, at the bottom of the Chat column, you’ll see the “Attachment” button (the one that looks like a paper clip). It should prompt you to choose a file to share. Select it, then, click “Send:”
  • Now, the next bit is important. After you’ve sent the file, you will see three dots next to its name. Click on them to open a menu that includes the option “Open in Desktop App.” Choose that. The Peer Learning Associate will do the same:
  • If you did this right, you both should be able to see the same document. 

Students are expected to:

Come Prepared

• Bring all relevant material to the peer learning session (e.g., textbook, lecture notes, assignments, lab books, paper drafts, past tests).
• Do the assigned reading and homework before the sessions.
• Set reasonable goals for both short and long term work. Write them down. Share them with your PLA and revise, if necessary.
• Have specific concepts or questions ready to discuss with the PLA.

Actively Participate

• Ask the PLA to explain not only specific concepts but also how he or she studies for similar courses.
• Stop the PLA if she is going too fast or telling you too much.
• Do not expect the PLA to tell you the answer or to do your work.
• Don’t be afraid to say, “I still don’t get it, let’s do it again.”
• Review the material on your own soon after the session.
• Talk with other students and consider participating in a study group.

Don’t wait until the last minute to get help for a test or assignment.

• Arrive early.
• Be patient while a PLA works with other students.
• Collaborate with other students while waiting for help

Peer Learning Associate are expected to:

Responsibilities:

• To complete the training sessions
• To respect confidentiality
• To adhere to the peer learning schedule and to make arrangements for absences in a timely manner.
• Make at least two visits per semester to professors and/or classroom to notify students and professors of your availability.
• To communicate effectively with peers about their academic needs, with other associates and the Office of Academic Success about tutoring experiences, concerns, and successes.
• To respond promptly to requests and attend meetings.
• To keep accurate, honest, and detailed sign-in sheets to be submitted on or before the 1st day of each month
• To submit time-cards on or before the 1st day of each month.

PLA Qualifications:

• Must be currently registered at Hendrix College as a sophomore, junior, or senior;
• Must have a 3.0 GPA or higher for the courses you wish to assist;
• Must maintain a 3.0 or higher cumulative GPA while in your position;
• Must have a high level of patience and a sincere desire to share your academic successes and abilities with your peers.

Causes for Termination:

• Excessive cancellations and absences.
• Disrespect for student learners or other peer learning associates or library staff.
• Any breach of confidentiality will result in termination.

Are you interested in being a Peer Learning Associate next year? Fill out the Interest Form below:

https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=jMH2DNLQP0qD0GY9Ygpj0770MffCjBdEt_XadAEfZSVUOFhBVFJXUThEVVlFUFFQWUJVTTRJNTE1RS4u

For questions or concerns, please email thomast@hendrix.edu