You’re a Peer Support professional in a remote learning environment. How can you make the most of your tools?

1 Choose your platform wisely

When considering online platforms for Peer Support, it is important to take into account the features, security, and accessibility they offer. Depending on your needs and preferences, you may want a platform that enables video and audio calls to communicate with clients in real time, as well as sharing of screens, documents, or other resources. Additionally, chat or messaging functions can be used to send reminders, feedback, or follow-up questions. Polls, quizzes, or surveys can be used to assess clients' progress, satisfaction, or needs. Breakout rooms, forums, or groups facilitate peer interaction and collaboration. Lastly, encryption, password protection, or other measures should be taken to ensure confidentiality and privacy. Examples of platforms that offer some or all of these features are Zoom, Google Meet, Skype, Microsoft Teams, Moodle, Canvas, or Slack. It is recommended to test different options and ask for client feedback before deciding on the best one for your situation.

2 Set clear expectations and boundaries

Working remotely can present challenges when it comes to expectations and boundaries with clients. To ensure understanding and avoid any confusion, frustration, or misunderstanding, establish a regular schedule and duration for online sessions and inform clients of your availability and response time. Agree on the goals, objectives, and outcomes of your online sessions and review them regularly. Clarify the roles, responsibilities, and expectations of both parties and explain the rules and guidelines for online etiquette. If any issues or concerns arise, address them promptly and respectfully. Setting clear expectations and boundaries will create a sense of consistency, reliability, and professionalism to enhance your online relationship with clients.

3 Use interactive and engaging methods

Working remotely can be challenging, as you and your clients may lose interest, attention, or motivation during online sessions. To prevent this, use a variety of methods and activities to suit different learning styles and preferences. Try open-ended questions, reflections, or summaries to elicit your clients' thoughts, feelings, or opinions. Incorporate humor, stories, or anecdotes to make your online sessions more lively and relatable. Provide feedback, praise, or recognition to acknowledge your clients' achievements, efforts, or improvements. Gamification, rewards, or incentives can also make your online sessions more fun and challenging. Lastly, visuals, audio, or video can make your online sessions more appealing and stimulating. By using interactive and engaging methods such as these, you can create a sense of involvement and satisfaction that will enhance your online learning outcomes with your clients.

4 Monitor and evaluate your online sessions

Working remotely offers the opportunity to access and analyze data that can help monitor and evaluate online sessions. To take advantage of this, analytics, reports, or dashboards should be used to track your clients' attendance, participation, or performance. Additionally, feedback forms, surveys, or interviews can be used to collect your clients' opinions, suggestions, or testimonials. Self-assessment, peer assessment, or portfolio assessment can measure your clients' progress, achievements, or challenges. Reflection, journaling, or blogging can document your own learning, growth, or development. Action plans, goals, or strategies can plan your next steps, actions, or improvements. By monitoring and evaluating online sessions you can create a sense of accountability and quality that will enhance your online professional development with your clients.

5 Take care of yourself and your clients

Working remotely can be a risk to your and your clients' emotional health due to the lack of physical and social contact. To prevent this, it's important to take regular breaks and stretch your body and mind during your online sessions. Additionally, maintain a healthy balance between work and personal life by setting boundaries for your online work. If you or your clients encounter any difficulties or challenges, seek support from colleagues, supervisors, or mentors. Furthermore, encourage your clients to take care of themselves and refer them to other resources or services if needed. Lastly, celebrate successes and appreciate efforts to create a sense of well-being, resilience, and gratitude that will enhance your online emotional health with your clients.