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Continuity of Learning Resources for School Closure
I want to start by saying ... don't get overwhelmed by the thought of guiding meaningful student learning opportunities online. And don't become overwhelmed by the information contained in the whole of this website. You don't need to learn to a lot to be able to structure an online learning environment, but some people will want to do it in different ways or will need different tools to most effectively address their unique curriculum. I've tried to include information and tools here that will be easy to use to structure the most basic virtual learning environment and tools that can also serve specific needs for different learning areas.
I want to start by saying ... don't get overwhelmed by the thought of guiding meaningful student learning opportunities online. And don't become overwhelmed by the information contained in the whole of this website. You don't need to learn to a lot to be able to structure an online learning environment, but some people will want to do it in different ways or will need different tools to most effectively address their unique curriculum. I've tried to include information and tools here that will be easy to use to structure the most basic virtual learning environment and tools that can also serve specific needs for different learning areas.
We should all start with the most basic virtual learning environments ... because this new for many of us and it will be new for almost all of our students. Even though this generation was seemingly born with technology in hand, many are not skilled at using it for structured learning. Most of them do pick up on using new technologies quickly (because they don't mind diving in to try something new or clicking around to figure out how things work - something we should be open to as well). Still, none of us is going to need added reason to endure a lot more screen-time during this school closure. It's important we all remember that this will be a stressful/anxious time, with many other important concerns and needs for our students and their families. I encourage us to work together to understand how technology can be used to help holistically support our students. Also, be creative. Seek to engage students in ways that might improve their lives in light of the difficult realities associated with the specific reason for this school closure. Take advantage of your students' existing technology skills. Have them use the camera and recording tools on their phones to capture learning, tell stories, reflect, share, etc. They can listen to PodCasts, watch educational videos, engage in peer-feedback ...
We should all start with the most basic virtual learning environments ... because this new for many of us and it will be new for almost all of our students. Even though this generation was seemingly born with technology in hand, many are not skilled at using it for structured learning. Most of them do pick up on using new technologies quickly (because they don't mind diving in to try something new or clicking around to figure out how things work - something we should be open to as well). Still, none of us is going to need added reason to endure a lot more screen-time during this school closure. It's important we all remember that this will be a stressful/anxious time, with many other important concerns and needs for our students and their families. I encourage us to work together to understand how technology can be used to help holistically support our students. Also, be creative. Seek to engage students in ways that might improve their lives in light of the difficult realities associated with the specific reason for this school closure. Take advantage of your students' existing technology skills. Have them use the camera and recording tools on their phones to capture learning, tell stories, reflect, share, etc. They can listen to PodCasts, watch educational videos, engage in peer-feedback ...
Finally, remember to reach out and share with your fellow teachers. Share resources and ideas. Avoid duplicating efforts. And remember, this is a time we really need to support each other.
Finally, remember to reach out and share with your fellow teachers. Share resources and ideas. Avoid duplicating efforts. And remember, this is a time we really need to support each other.
In the end, this effort can result in capacities to enhance your normal learning environments. More importantly, if done well and approached together, it can strengthen our relationships with our students and with each other (professionally and personally).
In the end, this effort can result in capacities to enhance your normal learning environments. More importantly, if done well and approached together, it can strengthen our relationships with our students and with each other (professionally and personally).
INFORMATION & TIPS FOR DISTANCE TEACHING & LEARNING
INFORMATION & TIPS FOR DISTANCE TEACHING & LEARNING
This is probably the most comprehensive guide for school leaders to help establish a solid plan for a school that is going to engage their staff and students with the task of taking school online due to the COVID 19 outbreak.
Members of ISTE’s professional learning networks have been hard at work identifying key practices for successful online learning. Here are some of the best ideas from educators from around the world, many of whom have already been teaching during coronavirus closures.
I'm not advocating for one or the other, but the thoughts shared in this article are important to consider for any teacher that is in the position of needing to address learning in light of our current circumstances. *How do we support our most vulnerable students needs be the first question we ask - not what tech should we use. Maybe a good question to start with is ... How might we use technology to support our most vulnerable students and make regular human connections with all students?
Solid - Simple Tips for those in our position ...
The Simplest Way to Go Online is to Shift to a Video Conference Platform
"Lecturing to a webcam instead of an in-person class isn’t the best way to teach online, but it is the easiest way to switch."
Think Shorter
"If it’s hard to hold students’ attention in person, it’s even harder online."
Make Sure to Record Online Sessions For Those Who Can’t Tune in Live
"Because not everyone will be able to make it to class, and because it’s easy to do, press record on whatever tool you use to offer remote classes so they are accessible to those who cannot attend and so all can return to watch again if needed."
Use Polls to Keep Students Engaged
In Bergen County, New Jersey, just outside New York City, a school closure pushes teachers to confront the challenges of online learning.
This article offers great (simple) tips and resources that will help teachers move from planning to action.
An American whose classroom in Beijing is now online shares what she and her team have learned since the coronavirus hit, just as U.S. teachers make the same shift.
Thankfully we are not in a lockdown, but these seem like sensible tips worth passing on for many of our staff.
We know it can seem daunting bringing your classroom experience online. Your students may have limited access to technology at home. You may never have taught (or even taken) an online course before. And you don’t have a lot of time to prepare. But we know that you’re committed to doing whatever you can to provide your students with the opportunity to continue to learn. We’re all in this together!This article describes three ways to get started teaching your classes remotely.
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