Elizabeth is searching for advice

 As we are approaching the end of the first full month of this school year, what are some of the similarities and differences that you note between teaching remotely this year as compared to last year(spring)? Is it easier to teach remotely now, or just as difficult? Why? 

For me, I am a little apprehensive because I am starting the first part of my student teaching. My cooperating teacher is super approachable and has told me to jump in whenever I am ready. However, I really don't feel confident enough in my ability to teach  students remotely to "jump in" as rapidly as my cooperating teacher  has suggested. 

For my ED598 classmates who have more years in teaching than do I, what are some classroom management strategies that you are using during remote learning? I would really appreciate the advice! Thank you! 

Dr. Ries and social and emotional considerations

 During this period of virtual teaching, hybrid platforms, and six-foot +++++++++ social distancing, how are you addressing the social and emotional needs of your students?    Can you give us some insight into some of the strategies that you are applying?  How is your school addressing student social and emotional needs right now?  Should we even be asked to address social and emotional needs right now?    Where, in your estimation, does curriculum coverage stand in the "scheme of things" at this point in time?  

As we are asked to teach virtually, Kathleen sees problems deeper than teacher preparation

 I started teaching this week.  It is my 12th year teaching and my district starting in a remote model with plans to move to a hybrid model in early October.  I spent quite a bit of time in August familiarizing myself with Zoom, Screencastify, EdPuzzle and other platforms and strategies to help effectively deliver instruction to my 7th graders remotely.  As I end this week, I feel a bit disheartened.  Things went relatively well.  However, in four days I got a very good glimpse of what new challenges we will now be juggling while teaching remotely or synchronously.  While I do feel that the PD sessions on different technologies were beneficial, it appears we failed to acknowledge the extraordinary collaborative efforts that will be required between schools and families this school year.  While I’ve been focused on me as the teacher and my responsibilities, I didn’t spend much time thinking about my students and the challenges they may face at home to create and maintain a positive and effective learning environment.  In just four days, I have had students leave our “classroom” to use the restroom and never return to class, play with their pets, conduct conversations with people out of the frame, lounge on the den couch with their siblings or appear to sit in a dark room.  In an email communication with a parent, I found out one of my students is home alone during the day and navigating his school days on his own.  Did we take for granted that families will be able to provide adequate supervision to their students during the school day?  Did we assume that every child has a quiet space conducive to learning, away from distractions?  Our district provides a Chromebook but do they have support at home if there is a technology issue?  I am sure many of these issues will be addressed in the weeks ahead.   However, just when I thought I had a decent handle on things, I am struck by how much is still out of my control.

Have you been experiencing the same issues as have I? Your thoughts?

 As you return to your classrooms this fall semester/academic year, what are your concerns with regard to curriculum delivery in your particular discipline?   What do you consider to be your greatest responsibility with regard to curriculum and student instruction during this Coronavirus/distance learning period of time?  How have you restructured your teaching style and/or your curriculum as you return to the classroom to face online instruction yet again?