Week two of distance learning with enrichment activities

Week two 3/23-27th  of distance learning with enrichment activities.  This week involved working with teachers to plan activities and become familiar with tools and techniques to add to Google Classroom.   I shared lots of choice boards with teachers around remote learning in their content areas.  It would allow a student to stay connected to the curriculum but also not involve assessments until we are directed by the state what that might entail.

I also  spent on updating a previous document I shared with staff prior to school being released. The link  bit.ly/distancelearningatnashoba The biggest area of caution this week was putting the breaks on using video conferencing (Zoom and Meet) with students. Although for some teachers and myself included it felt like taking steps backwards.  But, it's important that we wait for a district policy that is shared with students, staff and parents before moving forward.  In addition, the district is working on a Remote Learning Plan and PD options for staff.

I did work with a group of teachers in a "coffee hour session" on using technology to support teachers in special education. I was so impressed with their comfort level with Google Meet and Zoom compared to our first meeting prior to school being released.  We plan on connecting weekly to see how technology may support their learning.

DESE Remote leaning announcement was released at the end of the week, which moves us from enrichment to teaching.  As a department chair we were notified we will begin planning communications inline with the state to move to remote learning connected (enrichment to assessment).  Unfortunately, in several of our classes, students have decided if the work is not graded and does not count.  Do they actually need to get online?

A silver-lining in my week was after reaching out to our journalism/video students and conducting an online (Meet/Zoom) to discuss option to present our video announcements, they are agreed to  to have something ready by 3/17 or Monday 3/30 to share with staff.

As side note, I am co-teaching on Saturday's my Fitchburg State Lesson Design Class #gafefsu and we have a group of teachers learning remotely and quickly applying to their teaching.  It's been awesome having this experience at such a critical time. Stay tune for more...