Since World War II, few countries around the world have witnessed schools closures at around the same time and for the same reason. With less than a month to go before most schools are expected to reopen, many teachers still have no idea how classes will be held. Almost every problem in the in school, from social distancing to cleaning times, has an impact on teaching. However, experts believe that there are certain requirements that need to be met. In order to reintegrate students into school, regular communication between students, teachers and parents is important, especially when the classes are online.
So, is whole class teaching still “a thing” in 2020? Read on to find out.
Redefining the role of the educator
In the twentieth century, the notion of the educator as a knowledge-carrier who imparts wisdom to his students is no longer appropriate. With students’ access to information and the acquisition of technical skills, we need to redefine the role of the teacher in the classroom and in lecture theaters by clicking on their phones, tablets and computers. This could mean that the position of educators should evolve towards promoting the growth of young people as active members of society.
Teaching life skills needed for the future
Young people must demonstrate resilience and adaptability in this changing global climate. This includes acquiring skills that are necessary to successfully survive this pandemic. In the future, employers will look for essential qualities such as imagination, communication and coordination, as well as empathy and emotional intelligence and the ability to work across ethnic boundaries to harness the power of collective strength through effective teamwork.
Unlocking technology to deliver education
The COVID 19 pandemic has forced educational institutions around the world to unexpectedly use and deploy all available technical resources to create content for students in all areas of distance learning. Educators around the world are finding new ways to do things better and with greater versatility, helping to improve the future accessibility of educational opportunities for students worldwide. These are new teaching methods that were previously largely unused, especially in kindergarten through 12th grade.
People-driven learning
Perhaps the most obvious effect of technology will be the advent of “personalized learning”, where each student receives targeted individual attention from teachers who can access real-time data on their successes and problems. Traditionally, there are teachers who teach. And there are also wonderful teachers who are model learners. They learn with the students. They don’t feel they have to know everything, so they have to show how great learning is. Instead, potential teachers need to spend less time creating the material part (their subjects) and more time on the learning environment so that the children can discover and build their own context around the content. This will be crucial for teachers’ ability to adapt and innovate.
Delivery and technology
Many schools also use Microsoft programs like Office 365 or Google applications like Google Classroom, all of which are free for educational institutions and can be downloaded or configured for quick and easy use. All of which are also compatible and available with the TouchIT Rapide and TouchIT App Store.
Schools that use these technologies often do not need to switch to new technologies. In fact, it’s time to maintain the ease of use and take advantage of the resources already built into your school. Companies like Microsoft, Google and of course TouchIT Technologies have opened up their e-learning platforms to schools in the face of the Coronavirus, helping teachers and students use their resources.
Virtual Live Classes
Early forms of e-learning were largely “static”; much of the course content was in text form, and even the few videos or other interactive materials were mostly for individual use. Now an interactive online program can and should include live lectures that promote a high-quality, easy-to-use, real-time discussion forum. Live lectures often prefer small class sizes, as it is preferable for students to deal with fewer than 15 people per session.
The ability to “escape” in small groups is another essential discussion skill. One can assume that group projects are limited to face-to-face teaching, but a good LMS (Learning Management System) should allow immediate and random development for small group discussions.
Technical Support
Navigating in a digital environment is probably the biggest fear of e-learning for most people. If you’ve never been technically savvy (and indeed, most of us who aren’t computer scientists don’t seem to have that mysterious force field that forces technology to act), computer-related problems can be a real problem. Your computer will act and hinder access to live sessions, sending tasks, or displaying content correctly, far beyond LMS-related problems.
Good services recognize this and provide resources to support your software. Teachers who need immediate help if their PowerPoint presentations get stuck in class will have this resource available. Relieving teachers of this burden helps them to focus on teaching, while students can rest easy knowing that any difficulties they encounter are helpful.
Adapting Common Classroom Routines in an Online (or Socially Distanced) Environment
Teachers will use the time they spend in a traditional classroom to clarify schedules and routines in an online room at the beginning of the year. For example, what time slots are available to teachers and how students will reach them? At what time of day do classes take place each week and when is homework scheduled? Teachers are supposed to be versatile and open to new technologies. Trying out new ideas could be overwhelming.
It may seem like a daunting task, but when you try it, you realize that it helps to motivate or engage, and you realize that students are so eager to tackle it. They like the fast pace, the fun part of it.
Final Thoughts
Teachers play an essential role in educating children by listening to their needs, and ensuring their well-being. Parents around the world appreciate the importance of the work that teachers do every day while their children are at home due to school closures. Let’s ensure these teachers have the tools and help they need to continue to lead the next generation of children into the future.
