{"id":16290,"date":"2020-03-20T09:43:08","date_gmt":"2020-03-20T14:43:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.teachersoftomorrow.org\/?p=16290"},"modified":"2023-11-02T10:40:39","modified_gmt":"2023-11-02T15:40:39","slug":"virtual-teaching-resources","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.teachersoftomorrow.org\/blog\/insights\/virtual-teaching-resources\/","title":{"rendered":"Virtual Teaching Resources: Distance Teaching Tips"},"content":{"rendered":"

Across the nation, educators are being asked to teach students of all ages remotely and to provide students with purposeful and meaningful educational opportunities, all without setting foot on campus.\u00a0 Although educators are\u00a0offered professional development on incorporating technology in the classroom, the current pandemic is asking teachers to adapt more quickly and with less training than expected.\u00a0 In the face of change, teachers will rise to the occasion to meet the ever-changing needs of our students.<\/p>\n

Taking education virtual is much easier said\u2014and written about\u2014than done. EdSurge has created a guide, \u201cNavigating Uncertain Times: How Schools Can Cope With Coronavirus<\/a>,<\/span>\u201d to help educators, parents and anyone else seeking advice during an abrupt and turbulent transit. Resources are being made available as quickly as possible to help navigate these unchartered waters. A helpful tip is to\u00a0create routines and rhythms<\/a><\/span> for children at home. Regardless of whether you\u2019re a parent, caregiver, educator or anything in between, check out how to\u00a0teach effectively online<\/a><\/span> and\u00a0work productively remotely<\/span><\/a>.<\/p>\n

As education delivery continues to change over the next few weeks and months, educators will be learning best practices for distance teaching.<\/p>\n

Here are a few things to expect:<\/p>\n

CHANGE IN ROUTINES<\/p>\n

During this time that students will not be attending school, many may feel anxious or struggle without familiar routines and procedures.\u00a0Routines provide stability to students and this disruption could have negative repercussions.<\/p>\n

As a teacher, you may be their true constant. While classroom doors are shut, it\u2019s important to try and remain as consistent as possible. This may require establishing new routines. The most important thing is to maintain a positive connection with your students. \u00a0A great starting place is to make home phone calls to parents of the students in your homeroom class.<\/p>\n

PHONE CALL CONSIDERATIONS<\/p>\n

Here are some guidelines on what to ask:<\/p>\n

    \n
  1. Check in on each family and ask if all members are emotionally and physical healthy. If you identity anyone in need, your district many have resources available to help.<\/li>\n
  2. Ask parents if they have access to internet and computers.\u00a0This will allow you to make sure you are prepared for lesson planning.\u00a0For any student\/s without the necessary equipment for distance learning, please check in with your district to see what may be loaned or provided.<\/li>\n
  3. Tell parents to check their email often and visit the school and district websites frequently, as information from the school will be continuously updated.<\/li>\n
  4. With parent permission, ask to speak to the child.\u00a0 Tell them you are thinking about them and planning lessons for them.\u00a0 Explain to them that school is changing, not ending.\u00a0 Reassure students that you will continue to be their teacher.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    USING GOOGLE CLASSROOM<\/p>\n

    There will be many adjustments to transition to a remote classroom.\u00a0 Google Classroom is an excellent resource with which many students already familiar and know how to use.\u00a0 If you already have Google Classroom set up, great! You\u2019re one step ahead.\u00a0 If you have not yet started with Google Classroom, no worries. It\u2019s pretty simple to get started. Google also has a video conferencing tool called Google Hangout.\u00a0 This tool supports group conferences where you can meet with students online for some quality face time with one another. \u00a0As the remote learning progresses, you may decide to create whole group and small group Google Hangouts, working with different students on specific learning goals.<\/p>\n

    OTHER WEB BASED METHODS<\/p>\n

    Google Classroom is just one of many excellent tools out there. There are video conferencing services available which you might find useful when looking for ways to connect with your students.\u00a0 Zoom, for example, is a great web-based video conferencing platform which allows many students to connect at the same time.\u00a0\u00a0Zoom is temporarily lifting the 40-minute time limit on free Basic accounts for schools affected by COVID-19.\u00a0\u00a0If this sounds like a helpful resource, visit the Zoom website<\/a> for sign-up details.<\/p>\n

    Additional Virtual Teaching Resources:<\/p>\n