#remotelearning is inequitable. in this essay I will
patiently point out that most #NYCStudents don’t have access to their own laptop. Or tablet. they are waiting for one from the #DOE. Or sharing with family members.
If and when they do get an iPad from the #deptofed they can’t download apps. Or use iready for diagnostics essential to our planning.
If they do get access to a device, there’s no guarantee that they’re familiar with it. Or that a family member can help them. Or that a family member is there.
Many of our #students have parents who are not able to socially distance because they are #EssentialWorkers which not only puts whole families at risk but strains the process of #remotelearning
Even if they know how to access their assignments, their internet might cut out and they can’t participate in meetings. Or complete assignments. They’re using hotspots. They’re using their parents’ phones. They’re trying. But it’s hard.
Even with tech issues resolved, #remotelearning requires a highly self-disciplined learner and/or highly involved caregivers. How many adults among us can say we’re fully or even halfway functional right now?
The learning must continue, we’re told by our leaders. Yet there is no way for us to continue #teaching effectively when there are so many gaps between us and our students.
Even if we can get that small group going, conduct that quick assessment, provide on-the-spot feedback for those kids, there’s always someone who’s missing it. That’s not equity. That’s survival of the fittest.
The human condition requires relationships be built upon physical proximity, face-to-face interactions, and trust. We cannot discount the importance of #SEL now that we are #SociallyDistant rather our connections to our students are more crucial than ever and more absent too
Like the song goes, “They say I gotta learn, but nobody's here to teach me/
If they can't understand it, how can they reach me”
How many hours can we expect these kids to sit in front of a screen and not have serious developmental issues? People saying it’s only a few months. Well a few months to a kid is a lot.
We have no idea the impact this will all have. I’m not advocating throwing in the towel on all #remotelearning or #instruction. But we GOT to stop acting as if this is business as usual. Too many of our kids are too high-risk to ignore the fact that we are NOT doing this right.
First of all, stop pretending that posting assignments #online is teaching. We have to talk with our students daily. They have to see our faces. We DON’T have to see theirs.
Ask questions before wagging the finger. Maybe they have stuff going on we haven’t factored in. Offer to help before anything else.
Next, slow down with the meetings, PD’s, special “events” and onslaught of communication. This is more to admin and educational companies who really have no idea what it’s like to be teaching right now. #Teachers have no brain cells to spare for any of that stuff.
Teachers, 3 words: compassion, flexibility, and creativity. Find new ways. Don’t wait to be told how or when to do something. #Makeitwork for you and your students. Nothing else matters.
And stop judging. Everyone is doing the best they can.
I’m sure there are a lot of reasons I left out. Am humbly inviting #edutwitter to add on to this thread with other reasons why we need to be extra mindful about we approach #remotelearning
You can follow @teachbk.
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