TL;DR: Teaching from home has been challenging to not be able to “see” our students. There were frustrations from the perspectives of a teacher, student, and parent in the past 180 days. It is important to reflect on the past year and a half: in-class instruction cannot be replaced by virtual, students preferred to be in class, students had diverse … Read More
EP69: Screens On or Screens Off?
In Episode 69 of The Staffroom Podcast, Chey and Pav talk about their experiences with virtual teaching – especially the issue of cameras being on for students. With their new “twirl” back to teaching students remotely, they, as middle school teachers, have had similar experiences with their students not wanting to turn on their cameras on for the class. The … Read More
Key Considerations for Educators During Pandemic Teaching
TL;DR: Key considerations for educators during pandemic teaching include grading and reporting, connectivity, and ‘Profile of a Graduate.’ The pandemic provides educators with the opportunity to reflect on the purpose of a grade. Connectivity should be considered because every student has a right to learn. Having a clear vision of the type of learners we want to produce will support … Read More
Addressing the Different Educational Needs of Our Students
TL;DR: Educators must address the different educational needs of our students by setting high expectations, building relationships, desiring and implementing change, understanding our own biases, and choosing to connect. Teachers, administrators, and parents should establish and maintain supportive roles in this process of learning. Share your expectations with students by using I can statements. At the beginning of this school … Read More
Bridging the Digital Divide
TL;DR: Implementing strategies to teach and stay connected with limited technology infrastructure. Bridging the digital divide by working offline, and utilizing microlearning and paper options. While it is 2020 and a large part of the country has adequate internet access, it is important to acknowledge and understand there are still areas without the infrastructure for broadband and fiber internet access. … Read More