In my district, the students were given the option to return to in-person learning on a hybrid schedule or to stay fully remote. Students may choose to stay remote for a variety of reasons including being at high-risk for severe illness from Covid-19, living with someone who is high risk, providing childcare for siblings or they might just prefer the online learning modality. Offering both modalities is asking teachers to, in effect, teach online and in-person at the same time. Both groups of students deserve a robust and engaging learning experience. The challenge for teachers in this model is to create an accessible, inclusive and equitable learning environment in a way that is sustainable.
I think one of the most important lessons that I have learned while teaching during a pandemic is the importance of accessibility. As a result of teaching remotely I realized that my classroom has not always been accessible. In the past, if a student was absent I asked them to get the notes from a neighbor or view the presentation online. They did not get a similar experience as the students who were in the classroom the day the material was taught. This is definitely an area in my own instruction that I need to work on.
When I think of an accessible classroom I think of the following things:
- The students know where to locate the resources and materials that they need to be successful.
- Clear and consistent procedures are in place about how to access and complete assignments.
- A learning calendar is provided that explains the assignments and assessments with the criteria for success clearly defined.
- The teacher utilizes a Learning Management System to create, distribute and manage class resources.
- The student has consistent access to meet with the teacher during Office Hours.
- The curriculum is presented in a way that is as similar as possible to in-person instruction.
Teaching remotely has forced me to implement strategies that meet these needs. For example, everything I do is now posted on a daily landing page. I will continue to do this because it is in the best interest of all of the students. I realize that ALL of this sounds really daunting. If you would like to see a really succinct model of instruction that could work for this please read about the really cool things The Modern Classrooms Project is doing to help students with high levels of truancy.
Inclusive
One of my biggest challenges during remote teaching was how to include my students in the learning process when they are not physically in the classroom. Luckily, many of the tools that I have embraced to increase engagement during remote instruction can still be used in the physical classroom! These tools will also create a more inclusive learning environment for students who remain remote learners. For example, students can participate in a Pear Deck no matter where they are! This allows them to interact with the teacher and other students in real time.
Some other tools that I will continue to use are Flip Grid, Discussion Boards, Kahoots and Padlets. They can even participate in cooperative learning opportunities using Zoom Breakout rooms or shared Slide Decks! Remember, the students in the class will still be required to observe social distancing regulations. They can all benefit from these adaptations!
Equitable
For the purpose of this post, an equitable education is one in which students are: - Given the same opportunities as other students.
- Provided the same curriculum.
- Taught by high performing teachers.
- Held to the same learning expectations as other students.
- Provided with similar levels of resources and supports
The remote learners should be held accountable for the same learning outcomes as the other students. They should receive the same material in as engaging of a manner as possible. They also need to be given opportunities to work directly with their teacher and other students.
One way to meet this need is for the school to build in "office hours" for the students to meet with the teacher. Students can also participate in real-time instruction using a video-conferencing tool like Zoom. If a teacher is using a projector to share their screen with their in-person students, they can extend their screen and see their remote kids on the computer monitor. I had the opportunity to play with this with another teacher in my building and she discovered that the teacher can "pop out" the chat and participation box in Zoom and drag it to the projector as well! The remote students can then raise their hands or even answer questions through the chat feature.
Sustainable
Sustainability is the ability to maintain a level of performance and avoid the depletion of a resource. Right now I am really concerned about sustaining one of the most important resources schools have, the teachers! I'll be honest, there are a lot of utterly depleted teachers right now - and it's only early October. If they are being asked to pivot to another learning model they need to be provided nourishment. First and foremost, teachers need time to create, collaborate, process, reflect and recharge. Many districts include an asynchronous day into their learning week to provide teachers with this much needed time. Secondly, they need their tech needs met. For example, if they are going to teach to online and in-person learners simultaneously they need wireless microphones so the learners at home can hear them. Thirdly, they need professional development opportunities that help them master and practice the tech tools that they are being asked to use. Lastly, they need to feel like they are a part of the process and know that their feedback is critical to the success of the students.
Students deserve our best regardless of their chosen modality. It is possible to implement an accessible, inclusive and equitable education for all students but it has to be deliberately and purposefully implemented in a sustainable way. If you are currently teaching in a hybrid model, please share your strategies for teaching in-person and online simultaneously below. I would love to hear what is working - and what hasn't!
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