Interview with a Distance Teacher

This blog post is a transcription of an interview with Dr. Brandee Green, a 4th grade teacher in South Carolina. She talks about the challenges, highlights, and implications of distance learning.

April 23, 2020

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What was your initial reaction to the transition to distance learning?

"I thought that it would be fine, because my kids are used to using technology heavily in the classroom. I was actually excited and thought it would be fun for a few days or a week. I was less excited when I realized it would be for the remainder of the school year. I was grateful for the technology skills students already had. I think that made it easier for us, but I worried about other classrooms whose students may not have those skills."

What has been the most challenging part of distance learning?

"The lack of access is the worst part. Students that don’t have access to technology or internet are at a severe disadvantage."

What are some of the highlights from your experiences?

"I have enjoyed the novelty of it. It is certainly fun to try new things. I think that the kids are enjoying learning differently and trying new things as well."

How do you think the students are doing?

"I think that the capability is there. Most students have the technology skills to handle online learning. However, I think many struggle with self-motivation. Its obviously better to have them in the classroom environment where I can encourage/support them and generate motivation. Having them in the classroom is better for motivation."

Do you have any advice for other teachers conquering distance learning right now?

"Now is the time to experiment and try new things! We need to remember the skills that we have learned during this time and incorporate those as we return to the normal classroom setting."

How do you think this experience will change classrooms in the future?

"That’s hard for me! I think that education needs to lean in the direction of teaching real world situations. Children need to be allowed more options in what/how they are learning as well as how they are proving their learning. Giving kids more autonomy over their learning will encourage more self-motivation from them. I believe this has been an eye opener for everyone in education that we need to integrate more technology in all classrooms."

What are your thoughts on this quote from Dr. Brad Johnson?

"Yes! I absolutely agree 100 percent!"

And for laughs, what do you think about this meme?

"Haha! That is so true to my students!"

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Dr. Green after a "virtual field trip" to Disney, on Zoom during her school's spring break.

Abby

TIPS & STRATEGIES FOR AUTHENTIC DISTANCE LEARNING

-Lisa D.

How do we create authentic distance learning that aligns with our classroom learning outcomes at home? How do we make sure our students keep learning content and critical thinking skills from a distance?

We know that distance learning can be stressful for everyone involved, which means that students, teachers, and parents need to be aware of some helpful tips that are designed to keep everyone sane!

Tips & Strategies for Distance Learning

1. Daily Check Ins- Daily check ins will help teachers understand where students are mentally, physically, emotionally, and academically. The students need to know that you care! Check ins can also address any concerns students and teachers may have as well as provide the opportunity to ask questions.

2. Be available in multiple ways! – Whether it be texts to parents, email for students, Dojo or Seesaw, Zoom or Skype (if possible) and if students don’t have access to internet, then send letters in the mail or visit them if possible. If close contact isn’t possible, then drive by their house and communicate from your car to their porch! Be creative and find a way!

3. Try to incorporate the same procedures of a normal school day- If math normally starts at 8am, then encourage students to begin their math work at 8am. If reading normally starts at 9:30am, then encourage students to begin the content at 9:30am, and so on and so forth. Keep the structure as close to normal as possible, so students can stay in a constant routine.

4. Try to make directions for assignments and activities as clear and explicit as possible- No one wants their students to be confused, so no matter how big or small the assignment may be, be crystal clear! Also, be open and receptive to any questions.

5. YouTube is your friend! Posting a video for students to view and respond to is possible! Teachers can demonstrate skills, explain each step of the learning process for any subject area, and provide visuals, essential questions, and supports throughout the video. Students can also comment on the video with their thoughts or questions to try to replicate classroom experiences.

6. Encourage parental involvement! It is important that parents get through the experience alongside their children. Parents can offer clarification, stability, and support during such an unfortunate time. Parents and teachers should try their best to accommodate every student and make sure learning happens!

7. Promote internet safety- Now that learning is mostly done online, it is vital that students and parents understand how to safely navigate internet platforms with the least amount of issues as possible. Parents should monitor their child's internet usage during class, as well as other parts of the day.

8. Provide alternative methods of delivery- Some students may not necessarily have access to internet at home, so teachers can make learning packets, they can send letters/resources/articles in the mail, and they can offer to send content-specific books to the students house to help fortify the learning process.

9. Make time for yourself!- It is super important that you find some time throughout the day to have a moment of peace away from all of the crazy! Take a walk, paint your nails, learn to juggle, play your favorite game, or make your favorite snack! Try not to bog yourself down with too much negativity, and do an activity that YOU love.

10. Have fun! It may not be the ideal situation, but try to make it as fun as you can given the circumstance. Put your own spin and creativity into every teaching and learning component to make the process a little less stressful!

BUILDING & MAINTAINING TEACHER-STUDENT RELATIONSHIPS

Building & Maintaining Relationships with students from an empty classroom.

-Lisa D.

Send Daily/Weekly Memes to Lift Students' Spirits

The age of technology makes communication so much easier. However, technology should not ALWAYS be used for formal communications. We practically have the opportunity to share whatever our hearts desire, so why not make it fun? A current trend that has been on a roll in the last decade is memes, or little pictures with hilarious captions that people of all ages, races, genders, and interests can relate to. In pandemic-style situations, we should try our best to relate to our students and put smiles on their faces, even when we can't see them. We should also let them know that we understand what they are going through, and that everyone should stay positive.

Below are some helpful generators and funny suggestions that can be incorporated into the virtual classroom, but don't be afraid to make your own! Try to make your memes relevant to you, your students, and your school to make your posts more personalized and relatable.

https://imgflip.com/memegenerator

https://memegenerator.net/

Also, check out this article that explains how to use memes in the classroom!

https://www.bookwidgets.com/blog/2017/09/how-memes-can-make-lessons-interesting