In March 2020, school districts were forced to pivot to remote learning platforms virtually overnight due to the pandemic. Unfortunately, many were not prepared. Administrators, teachers, students, and parents had to transition the classroom from school to home, learning and adapting along the way.
As school districts plan for the future, the education environment will include a variety of new demands and teaching realities — including social distancing within the school environment, distance teaching and hybrid models. Jason Meyer, Group Product Manager, Projectors, for Epson America, Inc., recently hosted a live Q&A with two leading K12 administrators who worked hard to help their students adjust to the new normal. Some of their key takeaways are:
Infrastructure is the backbone of remote learning.
Schools need to have robust wireless networks that can support a large number of students. They also need video capabilities in order to flip the switch from school to home and a plan for students who do not own devices.
Modern teaching and learning require personalized instruction.
Flip the classroom by putting content online for parents and students to access. Then reserve meeting time for answering questions and giving students a proper amount of attention.
Maintaining a level of connection with teachers helps students get social and emotional support.
While it’s hard to replace the personal touch of a high-quality teacher in the classroom, providing virtual ways to work collaboratively is essential in a remote learning situation.
A teaching staff that is well-versed in new instructional technology can provide a better student experience.
Having a strong professional learning plan for teachers helps instruction drive the technology instead of making the technology drive the instruction.
Remote learning is here to stay.
Some students have underlying health issues that can keep them out of the classroom, and some students perform better virtually. By building up a catalog of online lesson content and putting a roadmap in place, you can offer remote learning in the fall to ensure the best plan for every student, including classroom, virtual, and hybrid arrangements.
The administrators shared more insights about transitioning large districts to remote learning as well as thoughts on what to expect in the fall. Listen in to their first-hand accounts to help your district prepare for the 2020/21 school year.
