Introduction
Introduction
Embedded Files
Remote learning has presented many unique challenges, but teaching and learning from home doesn't mean that we can't still make instruction engaging and meaningful! In fact, The more engaging we are able to make our virtual instruction, the more likely students are to "attend" live sessions and complete work on their own. You've likely already used many tools in your face-to-face classroom to engage your students that will also work in a virtual classroom.
Best Practices
Best Practices
Provide Student Choice & Collaboration
Many students are at home working in an individual silo... give them an opportunity to have more flexibility in how they complete assignments as well as opportunities to collaborate with one another.
Limit 'Sit & Get' When Possible
With direct instruction happening in shorter increments, try to limit "sit and get" (i.e. consume a slideshow or watch a video without any interaction) activities as much as possible. Include interactive components to your lessons.
Differentiation Still Applies
Our diverse learners haven't changed - where they are learning has. Remember to use tools embedded in your LMS or use other strategies to differentiate opportunities as much as possible. Providing student choice is a valid differentiation strategy.
Resources
Resources
Feel free to use any of these resources to help your school/district develop engaging instructional plans during a period of distance learning. Each template, document, or presentation you find below can be copied and used for your own purposes with original credit attributed:
Teacher Training
Teacher Training
Check out the free training we offer to prepare your staff for distance learning:
Low Tech Tips
Low Tech Tips
Consider using Discussion board tools to allow students to contribute when they have access to internet/devices.
Consider how you can take advantage of household opportunities to learn.
Some students may have access to games, like Minecraft, that have found their way into classrooms around the world. Consider having students create virtual models and representations of class content.
Things to Consider
Things to Consider
Reduce the Length of Videos and Instruction
Reduce the Length of Videos and Instruction
Remember how easily you trail off when a video is any longer than 5 minutes? Keep any video instruction and live direct instruction in as short an increment as possible. The more interactive, the better, and the more you can chunk topics and then have students go apply it in some way, the better.
Bright Spots
Bright Spots
Dara Stinson, a preschool teacher at John P. Parker Elementary in CPS, has been creating videos and interactive lessons for her students. She is posting these on ClassDojo where she has 100% parent and student participation after setting this up during the COVID-19 school closures. She is posting material for the students to work on at home - example worksheets and videos she has created for them to watch for learning letters, numbers and songs. She is creating portfolios for the students when they are turning in work and sending out Google Meet links to families with times for the group to come together and learn. She is starting 1:1 connection times where she will be displaying the “worksheet” she sent out, and teaching through the lesson with the student to make sure they are understanding and/or doing the activity. Given the lack of digital literacy for the age group and knowing the added pressures of parents at this time, she hopes to lessen the need for parent involvement as much as possible.
Stacy Yung, a teacher from California, engages her students with Pear Deck. Pear Deck integrates nicely with Google Slides and Excel - you can install the add-on to either program so your slides take on a whole new dimension!
Angela Clark, a 7th grade Social Studies teacher at the Goshen Middle School in the Goshen Local School District, created this amazing digital breakout room as a part of her Renaissance and Scientific Revolution unit. She collected the breakout codes on a Google Form. This super engaging activity was something that students can complete during distance learning!
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