Hello colleagues, Of course, we are still very much in the midst of a pandemic that is disrupting our own lives as well as the lives of all the learners we teach. Even so, I have begun to think about how things should change when face-to-face classes resume. What are we learning from this unprecedented experience? What kinds of changes do you think are most critical when we return to our brick and mortar buildings?
In this recent EdSurge blog post, Todd Flory writes about issues K-12 schools need to address. Which issues do you think are also important for our work?
Take care, Susan Finn Miller
Moderator, Teaching & Learning CoP
Comments
I work in a small center and I have never had more than two students at a time. I guess I will have to follow whatever guidelines I am instructed to follow. I do not think it will be that hard to distance and I certainly hope there will be no mask wearing. I already cleaned the tables and chairs and handles frequently, that may just increase. I hate to think of what crazy things more crowded places will have to follow.
Hi Susan and All,
Certainly a significant question to ask.....I agree with what Enola stated, that teachers would follow the guidelines they are instructed to pursue, but it can't be "business as usual" as Todd Flory (the author of the article) had mentioned. Schools, colleges, and universities have already been preparing for the Fall, like adjusting their student and state assessments.
If it is possible, classes can be set up as hybrid, meeting the students one day online and another day in the classroom (for classes that meet twice a week). It will depend on each campus, following the health guidelines set by every state....Thank you for sharing the article. It is a good read. There were some catchy segments:
"It’s also become increasingly clear that not all students have the luxury of a device or internet access in their homes. Reliable internet is a basic utility that should be accessible to all regardless of one’s location or income....this is also an opportunity to reflect on what was working and what wasn’t working, and to renew our commitment to the ideas and values in education we know should be a priority, both in remote continuous learning or in-person instruction."
I continue to read other people's writings, hearing their thoughtful ideas about the current situation. Hoping for the best for all...Thanks again.
Best,
Margaret Ibasco
ESL instructor
Thanks, Enola and Margaret, for sharing your thoughts with us here. I agree with you, Enola, that having a class with two students versus having a large class will make things a bit easier as we shift back to meeting face-to-face.
As you note, Margaret, the pandemic has made everyone much more aware of the pervasive inequities that exist. It's clear that everyone needs adequate technology tools and access to high-speed internet. Programs will need to ensure access to these resources in order to leverage the potential of blended learning.
I'd love to hear what members think about the potential benefits of a blended learning approach. Do you think programs are likely to integrate more blended learning opportunities as we move forward? If so, what might this look like in practical terms?
Thanks for contributing to this discussion!
Take care, Susan Finn Miller
Moderator, Teaching & Learnaing CoP