Distance Learning Virtual Rewards for Online Learning to motivate student success

Virtual rewards for students are essential for distance learning. How we can motivate and encourage student success looks different in online learning.

Distance learning classroom rewards are going to look different than traditional classroom awards because you are not physically present with students, BUT …. there is hope!

Let’s dig into some virtual student reward ideas for you to use RIGHT NOW!

How to use virtual rewards for distance learning in your classroom

Online classroom or distance learning virtual rewards can be used many ways.

You can work to set goals for a student or your entire class.

Work toward something that all students want and works for distance learning (see list below!)

It is strongly cautioned to not reward anything a student cannot control. Many factors at home play a role in students learning but virtual student rewards should not tie into those.

Participation over a period of time (not tied to synchronous learning), improved fluency in math or reading with an online program, celebrations – what a great idea for online student birthday celebrations! are all great distance learning reward ideas that DO NOT focus on camera being on, attendance consistently, tech issues and more.

What are some online learning virtual classroom reward ideas?

Use a Spinner like this one – to choose “how to do your work” which can be a fun “spin” if you will on online student rewards. This was inspired by this easily adaptable No more Boring Seatwork idea!

Not bound in a specific activity but engages students and changes the feel of the work they are doing.

Easy for teacher or student to spin and immediately is a reward in and of itself.

This spinner includes ways to work as virtual reward ideas:

• no shoes
• by flashlight
• use cool tools (writing utensils/fun text color for distance learning)
• work backwards
• play music

Customize it easily for your own classroom – have students help think of some online learning rewards to add!

I also love the fun music which helps engage distance learning students and motivate toward working on assignments.

I love all these ideas from The Sassy Apple. What a great list to start gathering reward ideas!

View this post on Instagram

This year, we have to get creative with how we can keep students motivated and working as a team while building classroom community. Working towards a common goal improves morale and keeps learning engaging! In these tough times, we cannot forget the fun! You can read more detail about each of these (mostly free!) activities TheSassyAppleTpT.com

A post shared by Molly 2nd grade (@thesassyapple_) on Jul 30, 2020 at 5:34pm PDT

This PBIS incentive list is also a great for virtual student rewards with many ideas you can adapt easily to ANY level!

Some of my favorites that would be EASY to do are:

• wear cool shades to class
• classroom kareoke
• lunch with teacher
• get to co-teach
• online drawing class
• phone call with principal
• Origami
• lego building challenge

These would be so easy to make your own spinner like above and have students or the class spin when they reach their goal!

If you teach young learners here is an entire K-2 Virtual rewards bundle for FREE!

With 5 really neat ideas – this is workable for your classroom and can help motivate student success with these virtual reward ideas for distance learning.