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Lessons from Summer Camp
This summer I had the opportunity to teach students in a camp. I taught the same camp last year in person and had to make the switch to an all virtual environment. I would like to share a few thoughts in hopes it helps at least a few teachers. 1/
This summer I had the opportunity to teach students in a camp. I taught the same camp last year in person and had to make the switch to an all virtual environment. I would like to share a few thoughts in hopes it helps at least a few teachers. 1/
First, a little background information. This was a 3 week long camp teaching hs students about Artificial Intelligence. The students were selected for both academic ability and from populations not represented in the world of AI. 2/
(It is the @AI4ALL program @MCWIC_UMD ) So although it was a very diverse group of students, they were also very motivated to learn.
My first challenge was converting all of the lessons onto a new (to me) LMS. 3/
My first challenge was converting all of the lessons onto a new (to me) LMS. 3/
I had to learn how to use Canvas and spend the time creating the course and adding materials and assignments. Yes, it was a lot of work. Which is why I applaud @SMCPS_MD for the time and effort to build and populate courses in Schoology to help teachers get started. 4/
The next, and biggest challenge, was teaching in Zoom. The classroom time for the camp ran from 10 AM to 4 PM. There was an hour lunch break, I did plan for many quick breaks and often the students would have time to work on a task and then return to the Zoom class to check. 5/
One word to describe how I felt every afternoon - EXHAUSTED. I can only imagine that the students felt the same.
Most important lesson learned is that any direct teaching should be very limited. 6/
Most important lesson learned is that any direct teaching should be very limited. 6/
In my high school classes there is a need for direct instruction (lecturing) but I will plan to keep it under 20 minutes. Feedback from the students (and I noticed myself) was working in smaller groups in breakout rooms was better. 7/
Almost as important is I had to learn to teach to a screen filled with blank squares. Yes, I believe that students should not be required to turn on their cameras. Although it was encouraged (especially when in a breakout room) it was never mandated. 8/
High school students simply do not want to be on camera and I respect that! I was fortunate to have a few TAs for this camp and one kept her camera on, which was great because she would shake or nod her head whenever I told a (really bad) joke! 9/
During the first week, teaching was very awkward. However, by the end of the third week I noticed that everyone was much more comfortable in the Zoom environment and students were getting to know each other. 10/
Last lesson learned, the time outside of & #39;class time& #39; is still so important. In our buildings that would be the few minutes between classes, during lunch or after school. In the virtual camp I opened the Zoom early and there were always students showing up early. 11/
This was a few minutes to chat and get to know each other. In my classroom I plan to offer as much time as I can in this format. For example, keeping my Google Meets classroom time open for students even if there is not a synchronous lesson planned. 12/
I also am hoping and looking forward to having virtual clubs after school.
The first week of camp was tiring and difficult. But that Friday I told the kids I wanted to take a selfie with them and asked them to turn on their cameras. It was the highlight of the week! 13/13
The first week of camp was tiring and difficult. But that Friday I told the kids I wanted to take a selfie with them and asked them to turn on their cameras. It was the highlight of the week! 13/13
