Learning Through Computers
Digital Learning: 2/2/2021
Digital learning affects students and teachers in various different ways. This past year has been difficult for everyone involved in education from students to teachers to faculty. Students have had to adapt to new ways of learning, which has not been easy for most students. The transition from in-person learning to online learning was abrupt and not organized, not faulting anyone involved. This rough transition created anxiety and concern from many students and families. Students and families began to question if they were receiving the best education and if they were still progressing through the school year as they should. Parents who are not in the education field had more difficulty understanding how difficult it was for education staff to so quickly move to online instruction. Parents became impatient regarding their students Zoom classes, grading, teacher communication, etc. All of this stress and uncertainty fell greatly on teachers directly which created long nights, extra hours, and extensive research on how to create the best lesson plans virtually for students.
As time went on, students became more adapt to virtual learning, but we all know it is not the same as in-person learning. I think teachers have gone above and beyond to create the best learning environments online for their students. I think teachers deserve much more credit than they have received for how well and quickly they changed their school years amidst a global pandemic, although it may have seemed different. I do believe students need to be in schools, not just for their education, but also to continue their social skills and be provided access to shelter, food, etc. if need be. Although I believe that, I also understand the need for vaccinations, deep cleaning, etc. before students can easily return to schools.
During our first lecture on February 2nd, 2021, we discussed so many wonderful websites we are able to use for teaching social studies to our students. We discussed Blogger, FlipGrid, Google Slides, and Google Classroom. I was amazed learning about these different sites and what they do, especially Blogger and FlipGrid. I was familiar with Google Slides and Google Classroom, so it was nice to just brush up on those two websites. I think Blogger is a great way to stay organized and hold yourself accountable for reflecting on different aspects of class. FlipGrid is a great resource, as well, because you are able to communicate with one another in a new way. FlipGrid is also a fun resource because you can decorate your video!
Hi megan,
ReplyDeleteIt was very interesting reading your blog post. I agree with you that digital learning was a challenge for both teachers and students alike. Teachers had to re-write their lesson plans to make sure they were online friendly and students had to get used to a completely different way of learning. Also due to being home a lot of students did not get proper accommodations which would help them focus and learn in school. I had a family friend who's child uses an aid to progress through the school day but he was unfortunately unable to get that aid at the beginning of the pandemic. I also agree with you in the fact that it was stressful for parents. Many parents had to work from home and take care of children and many had to become their child's teacher because of technical issues. Those parents whose child still had a teacher might have been getting annoyed that students were not getting their grades back as quickly as they would if they were in person. I believe that these parents did not realize that like children who were getting used to a new way of learning. Teachers were getting used to a new way of teaching that they haven't been exposed to before.