Artifact Seven

Artifact Commentary

On Wednesday, March 11th, 2020, President Stanley of Michigan State University informed the community that all classes were to be moved online to prepare for an outbreak of novel coronavirus (Covid-19). The following evening Governor Whitmer announced that Michigan public schools would close effective Monday, March 16th through April 13th. Educators had mere days to adapt to a new kind of teaching and learning situation, unlike any our society has collectively experienced in history. I didn't fully realize it at the time, but that was to be my last day of Farm Sprouts, for my last day with MSU Extension took place on March 27th.

In response, Professor Beaudine adapted our TE 870 MATC capstone course syllabus by posting the following assignment along with articles and resources:

For this week's discussion I ask that you ...

· Present a problem related to this shift that has you puzzled

· Introduce a new resource for us to consider/utilize

· Outline what you've discussed with your colleagues

· Offer literally any idea you believe might be helpful

This artifact is my March 16th D2L post. Two weeks following the post, Professor Beaudine asked us to return to our posts and reread them. I spent time reflecting on our collective adaptability, resourcefulness, creativity, leadership, and resilience in the face of sudden change. I made the decision to include this artifact, one I had not planned on ever writing or including, because it captures a pivotal moment in our lives as educators. This artifact, along with the Padlet I created for families, demonstrate accomplished teaching in the face of adversity (Goal 2). It shows the strength of the learning community I worked to create among others (Standard 2) and my ability to brainstorm and form ways to build "farm to school" learning connections despite the barriers we faced (Standard 1). Lastly, our family hiking challenge has inspired families and friends, now unexpected serving as teachers, to seek time exploring and learning in the outdoors to to address whole child (and person) health and development (Goal 3).

This time stands apart. Never in our lifetime, in the age of technology, have we experienced a worldwide pandemic. Since March 16th, I've experienced a whole range of emotions, but have been able to find some degree of equanimity by prioritizing what matters, finding ways to be of support to others, taking care of myself and my family, and finding humility and joy in the ordinary. In the past years, technology has become a source of connection, yet also of disconnection in our society. The physical isolation required to confront novel coronavirus has forced families to interact with each other and the outdoors in ways they might not been experiencing prior to the "Stay Home, Stay Safe" executive order was issued on March 23rd. Yet, technology allows us to remain connected to the friends, family, classmates, teachers, colleagues, etc. we aren't able to see right now. Those that can work from home are doing so, juggling home life among work responsibilities in the confines of their homes. Students are carrying on with learning in new ways thanks to technology, along with new ways of learning free of any standards. There is no standard for learning or life as we know it today and it will carry into the weeks and months to come. As of today, April 2nd, Governor Whitmer mandated Michigan school closures through the rest of the school year. Teaching and learning at home during Covid-19 is the new reality for our children until they can return next fall. How will this disruption to our lives impact the future? To close with this question in mind, I'll share the following quote:

"Patience. The slow painful patience. The one that reminds you to be humble and nimble. The one that reminds you how much existence relies on our ability to remember our connection to earth. We are nature. Not separate or disconnected." - Patrisse Cullors

Reference:

Farm Sprouts: Farm to School Connection Padlet. Retrieved April 2, 2020 from https://padlet.com/larmb/rsf0pc3ja91t