Most teachers get the pull. This is the time of year when we begin to think about next year and put a little energy into the upcoming new semester. Most teachers enjoy this. It can be as simple as going toma stationery store or office supply and looking at colorful folders or anything that's new.
Not so this year. This year begins with an IF. If there will be school as we know it. Chances are that's a resounding no.
I count myself as one of the fortunate because I'm retired. Yet, that pull to return never leaves and this year it's tempered with the question of what would I have done?
I admit I've been thinking about how I would approach distance learning. In my 40 years, I did a bit of it, as we all have. What stands out for me most is that it depends on what subject is being taught. For a Language Arts/Social Science teacher, it might not be such a big deal. Sure, there will be fewer discussions and probably none on the level of those in person. That's huge. But if one considers whether or not any quality learning is happening, that's an easy hurdle to overcome. Students can still exchange ideas online.
After much thought what I've come to believe is that distance learning offers many students, especially the older ones a golden opportunity to take responsibility for their own education. That's a goal we've been trying to reach for many years. Whether it be project-based or a version of an I-Search paper, or a group problem-solving activity, it has the potential of being just as worthwhile and successful as something done in any "normal" school year.
One of the most intriguing ideas I've seen recently organizes all this in the form of students writing blogs. There are various kinds of blogs and whether it be designing and building something, or a critical review of a text, film, object of art or even a meal, all lend themselves to the use and demonstration of multiple skills. This kind of personal responsibility would easily prepare any high school student for college success.
My vision would have students check in with their teachers daily or at least 3 times a week, document everything they do, and submit completed work in any way the technology allows.
A great experiment it would definitely be. But one that could be and seems like it might satisfactorily the loose, ill-conceived, non-participatory version that we saw last year.
Of course, teachers would need to log their time too. Time spent talking to a group of 35 would be replaced by time communicating with a few each hour.
It's not the desired substitute but should be challenging and worth the time and effort.
Not so this year. This year begins with an IF. If there will be school as we know it. Chances are that's a resounding no.
I count myself as one of the fortunate because I'm retired. Yet, that pull to return never leaves and this year it's tempered with the question of what would I have done?
I admit I've been thinking about how I would approach distance learning. In my 40 years, I did a bit of it, as we all have. What stands out for me most is that it depends on what subject is being taught. For a Language Arts/Social Science teacher, it might not be such a big deal. Sure, there will be fewer discussions and probably none on the level of those in person. That's huge. But if one considers whether or not any quality learning is happening, that's an easy hurdle to overcome. Students can still exchange ideas online.
After much thought what I've come to believe is that distance learning offers many students, especially the older ones a golden opportunity to take responsibility for their own education. That's a goal we've been trying to reach for many years. Whether it be project-based or a version of an I-Search paper, or a group problem-solving activity, it has the potential of being just as worthwhile and successful as something done in any "normal" school year.
One of the most intriguing ideas I've seen recently organizes all this in the form of students writing blogs. There are various kinds of blogs and whether it be designing and building something, or a critical review of a text, film, object of art or even a meal, all lend themselves to the use and demonstration of multiple skills. This kind of personal responsibility would easily prepare any high school student for college success.
My vision would have students check in with their teachers daily or at least 3 times a week, document everything they do, and submit completed work in any way the technology allows.
A great experiment it would definitely be. But one that could be and seems like it might satisfactorily the loose, ill-conceived, non-participatory version that we saw last year.
Of course, teachers would need to log their time too. Time spent talking to a group of 35 would be replaced by time communicating with a few each hour.
It's not the desired substitute but should be challenging and worth the time and effort.
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