Pivoting to Virtual
What have families been told about using Mics & Video?
Google Meet: Mics and Video Cameras
"Your child will spend the majority of class time on a Google Meet during the virtual school day. While in the Meet, active use of both sound (microphone) and video (computer camera or external webcam) will enable them to participate fully in the provided learning opportunities. If your child is unable to do so, please reach out to their educator to discuss how to access alternate technology or other strategies to participate in a meaningful way."
~Handbook for Families of HDSB Virtual Education Students
Students should have their camera on during class discussions and small group work. Students should be provided with the option to turn their camera off when working independently or at other appropriate times.
Ministry Requirements for Students Learning Virtually
225 min of a 300 min instructional day is 75%. That is the percentage of time that students should have synchronous learning opportunities offered to them. An educator may be synchronous for a longer portion of the day.
Looking for some help with ASYNCHRONOUS content?
ASYNCHRONOUS learning should must not any full subject - it should be offered during multiple learning opportunities each day.
<--- This resource was developed for supporting students who were absent for a prolonged period - but you could personalize and post into your Google Classroom!
Something for every subject and every grade!
Looking for a starting point on your first SYNCHONOUS day (including the Family HandBook and Code of Conduct) ? This slide deck has some things for you! -->
MAKE A COPY AND EDIT!
Screencastify is an AMAZING tool! Go ahead and add the Chrome Extension from the Chrome Webstore.
You will need to accept the permissions screencastify asks for (drive, mic, and webcam). We have a contract with them that makes it safe to say yes.
Your videos will be saved automatically in a Screencastify folder (that the tool makes). It starts as private so consider when you need: "anyone with the link can view" to avoid sharing requests down the line.
Build Community First
It is hard to move slowly when many educators are concerned about learning gaps from the spring school closure and the November reorganization. But taking time to allow students to slowly build routine is a more productive way to establish a strong learning environment. Keep in mind that when the brain is stressed out that students (and adults) are less able to think critically, retain information, and focus.
Focus on a small number of key routines.
Add additional ones as the original ones become habit.
Don't put pressure on yourself to keep timelines you made before knowing your students.
Things to Keep in Mind
Things to Keep in Mind:
Many students miss the social aspect of school, engaging in discussions with the whole group and taking the opportunity to get to know one another will be an important part of setting the tone in your new class.
The educator can't facilitate the turn taking in every conversation when mics are used. Students need the opportunity to speak in a natural context and learn about turn taking cues.
A morning routine such as all joining with cameras on at the beginning of class will help students build connections with one another. We don't always realize the importance of nonverbal cues in communication and many students need this for discussions to flow freely.
Relationship building is an incredibly important part of teaching. As educators we are always concerned about students being on task. However, if we micromanage every moment, we will miss valuable learning opportunities that occur naturally, as well as stifle the presence of student voice.
Send Home a Survey of What Families Already Have
Consider asking about games, cards, sports items, crafting materials and so on. Planning lessons that leverage the materials already at home will help to facilitate visual spatial or kinaesthetic learning. Click here for an example survey.
Here are links to Google Groups and Currents where information is shared for each subject area.
