Starting a thread to share lessons learned as we've begun our remote learning journey. #TMGenius

*spoiler alert: LOTS of lessons learned/still learning

1. Something is going to fail. Like, for real, it IS going to.
2. When it fails, respond with “How fascinating!” and roll with it. The kids will take our lead & are actually pretty darn good at this. #TMGenius

3. Remote learning is NOT in-person learning in a digital format. It’s actually much different and requires extreme & careful planning.
4. This planning requires thinking through “How can I make this easy for my students to access?” on the digital side. @k_callahan4 #TMGenius

5. Be aware of screen time.
a. Build in & movement breaks. Hold Ss accountable to getting up & moving. Do this yourself. Humans weren’t made to be sedentary. #TMGenius

5b. Balance on-screen & low/no-tech activities. You know your Ss. Plan for independent activities that allow them to move away from screen. I you being intentional about ensuring these are not “free time” but are used in an instructional, meaningful way. Keep it up! #TMGenius

6. Other family members (& pets!) are now either actively in our classrooms or passing through. Know this & be ready to take advantage of it.
7. Connect w our kids early and often. We MUST stay laser-focused on listening & finding ways to build those relationships. #TMGenius

8. Be sensitive to the fact that our classrooms have now extended into our students’ homes. This has far-reaching implications and the need to “put ourselves in our students’ shoes” is essential. #TMGenius

9. Everything takes longer. Build in this extra time.
10. Markers work better than pencils when students are sharing their writing on the screen. @zinkjessie #TMGenius

11. On-screen timers ROCK! After giving an independent task, you can post a slide with a choice board if they finish early. The timer gives them an audio & visual cue to let them know when to be back. @MrsRabe1 #TMGenius

12. If you’re using your desktop as sound/video & you start your document camera, the audio will automatically switch to the doc cam. It’s easier to use your Chromebook for the audio/video. @MrLarson212 #TMGenius

13. Google Meet tips by @k_callahan4 (a sub-thread)
a. Shortcuts for Microphone & Camera (Useful to share with kiddos too!)
Ctrl+d Mutes/unmutes microphone
Ctrl+e Turns camera on/off
#TMGenius

13b. Discuss w your class times that are appropriate to have camera on/off. Ex, talk about need to turn our cameras off when we're all looking at something together. Other times (class discussion) it is more appropriate to turn cameras on (if Ss are comfortable). #TMGenius

13c. Use camera as a signal! When coming back from a break or assignment, say "If you can hear my voice, turn your camera on (or off)" is a quick, silent way to see who is w you. I had a S today even say "I don't want to turn my camera on, but I'm here." Perfect! #TMGenius

13d. Teach your kiddos to hover over the speaker or presentation to pin the screen. Remember, when you are sharing your screen, they will need to pin the "Presentation" window, and not you. #TMGenius

14. Continue to be the tech support for your Ss & families. They need that from us right now. #TMGenius

15. Seeking out feedback is hard but worth it. And can be really affirming. @brit_starnes @MrsClementsTM @MsB_TMLeader @Mrs_Greis88 @jill_steenken sent out a #TMGenius Family Check-In G Form & got really useful feedback.