Liked Remote Learning Teaching Tips (esheninger.blogspot.com)

Below are some tips for teachers and administrators to assist with implementing remote learning. Please note that these are only suggestions. If digital access is a challenge, check out these practical ideas that can be implemented without any tech. Now, without further ado, here are some remote learning teaching tips.

  • Keep sound instructional design at the forefront.
  • Design experiences that align with the current scope and sequence for the marking period or semester. The goal is to try to eliminate any significant learning loss while allowing kids to progress to the next grade level.
  • Develop a balance between synchronous (live session) and asynchronous (tasks to be completed offline) teaching and learning.
  • Use the same amount of interactive activities that you would in class (every 15 – 20 min or so), but have students respond using a digital tool. Here you can find a listing or some great options.
  • Use a URL shortener to make links easily accessible in a slide presentation or push out using a Learning Management System (i.e., Google Classroom, Canvas, Schoology). My favorites at bit.ly and tinyurl.
  • Utilize chat and screen share features inherent in video conference tools.
  • Leverage an adaptive learning tool if your school or district has purchased a license. If not, consider this PreK – 12 resource from Khan Academy or some tools highlighted HERE.
  • Incorporate movement (i.e., Go Noodle) and mindfulness
  • Create supplemental resources to go along with the lesson. These could be a digital handout in the form of a Google Doc, articles to read, anchor charts, skeleton outline for notes, etc.
  • Provide flexible timelines for students to complete work.
  • Set up video conference sessions for students who are confused to ask questions or get extra help.
  • Focus more on providing timely, actionable, and accurate feedback as opposed to grades. If grading is mandated, make sure it is realistic and fair. Consider giving students a series of assignments over a period of time where only one or two, not all, will be assessed for a grade.
  • Ensure SPED accommodations are being met.
Bookmarked 10 Remote Learning Practices to Avoid (esheninger.blogspot.com)
  1. Piling on too much work
  2. Posting assignments with no plan for feedback
  3. Providing just digital options (HERE are some non-digital ideas)
  4. Grading (avoid this altogether as learners are in inequitable situations)
  5. Relying solely on low-level worksheets, packets, or Teachers Pay Teachers materials
  6. Thinking that you have to abide by a traditional school day schedule
  7. Forcing teachers to follow a traditional schedule while working remotely
  8. Using video tools in violation of FERPA
  9. Posting videos or pictures of kids learning online without proper consent (basically we shouldn’t be sharing screenshots of kids during a Zoom or Google Hangout/Meets session)
  10. Covering the entire curriculum and every standard
Eric Sheninger’s reflection on what not to do during this time is a useful addition to Joel Speranza’s post on what it is and is not.