ZOOM Sandwich: An Adaptable Model for Distance Learning

Muheidat, F.; Tawalbeh, L.

Distance learning is the education of students who may not often be physically present. Internet technology has made many possible ways of distance learning by open educational tools and services, such as e-learning and MOOCs. The distance learning technologies are divided into two types of delivery: synchronous learning and asynchronous learning. The two methods can be combined to create a hybrid learning model. In this work, we will discuss an adaptable hybrid teaching model we call it Zoom Sandwich. The model utilizes the benefits of both methods and integrates active learning techniques where students learn the concepts and topics online and then come to the classroom for application through interactive groups and class level discussions utilizing technology breakout rooms and chat platforms. We also consider the best practices to humanize online learning and increase students' and instructors' social presence. Covid-19 Pandemic changed the way institutions conduct business and provide services. To fight the spread of coronavirus, schools across the country have temporarily closed and transitioned to distance learning. This provided an opportunity for cybercriminals to hack and expose human vulnerabilities. We are proposing a set of security best practices and policies to countermeasures the cyberattacks. © 2020 IEEE.