Learning to Adapt to a Virtual Classroom

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Image by Mediamodifier from Pixabay



Our circumstances and the physical locations of where we teach our students may have drastically changed, but at the heart of this, we are still professional teachers. The main responsibilities of teaching through differentiation, making curriculum compelling, and cultivating relationships with students are still at the forefront. Here are a few tips to help you adapt to online learning.


1. (FAIL) First. Attempt.In.Learning!

You will most likely fail and make mistakes during your attempts at virtual learning. There might be feelings of frustration but ask for help from your colleagues and PLN. Keep an open mind, many of the platforms might be new for you and you may need to be constantly updating and changing your lessons. Learn from your mistakes, it's what we tell our students! And be your authentic self during this journey, it will be appreciated by your students and their families.


2. Simple and Engaging
Provide students clear directions and resources in your virtual lessons, this can include visuals, videos, and specific examples to make learning accessible. Share expectations with your students of how you would like them to participate, and set online norms just like you would in the classroom. Don’t forget to include activities that build community and relationships among students.

3. Catering to all your students
Keep in mind differentiating learning for your students. Every child will not be able to sit in front of a screen for hours on end, think about student engagement and ways learning can be accomplished offline. How can we get our students up and moving? Could they film themselves completing a task then uploading it? Might families and siblings work together in a group inquiry or project? The use of online choice boards, hyperdocs, and templates may alleviate some of the stress.
                                           
4. Overwhelmed by Information
In the last few weeks, you have probably read or learned about multiple websites, apps, chrome extensions, add-ons, and free education trials. However, trying to incorporate all of these tech tools into your daily lessons can be overwhelming and confusing, and not just for you but for students as well. When you introduce new virtual spaces do so when you feel comfortable and your students are able to effectively use it so that it enhances their learning. There will also be times when your students will know more than you and that’s perfectly fine, learn from their knowledge.



5. Your PLN!
Your PLN or Professional Learning Community is a way to globally connect and network with other educators via social media. Through creating professional connections, you are able to exchange ideas, ask questions, share information, learn tips on shared platforms, and find out about webinars to inform your teaching. Following educators, learning coaches and others in the education community on sites such as Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook is a great way to enhance your own professional learning.



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