During these uncertain times, teachers have many things to complain about. From sparse attendance to migraines from staring at computers, the list can seem endless.
However, one major complaint is engagement and communication. How do you keep students engaged when they are not physically present in your classrooms with your dynamic teacher personalities? How do you communicate important information without overwhelming students and parents? During one of my technology cohort classes (University of St. Francis, EEND677), we learned about multiple tech tools that would keep students engaged, deliver content in a memorable way and improve student community through communication.
One significant tool we worked with was animation tools with presentation software that would help teachers present information in an engaging manner while adding important information that would attract students to new material. For example, I created a document trailer to learn about the Declaration of Independence. Free programs like Pow-Toon enabled me to include graphics and pertinent information in an exciting format. I also previewed controversial topics about the document for my students so that they know we will be having in-depth discussions that don’t shy away from hard history. The surprising aspect of it is that it didn’t take a long time to complete. The templates were already set up and I just needed to change the text. Tech tools don’t have to take a long period of time!
The second tool that can be used with technology and in a time of remote learning is the quintessential classroom newsletter with a 21st-century update. For my daughters, their elementary teachers send consistent newsletters weekly. In my high school classroom, I’m throwing important dates at my students, content, and even telling them about upcoming historical movies they should watch and historical trips they should go on with their families. I cannot expect wonders all the time and I’m pretty sure they are only focusing on content and test dates, not registration dates for practice tests, and the remaining supplemental information I talk about in the classroom. With a newsletter, I can convey dire reminders along with virtual field trips, movies that the family can stream together, and a preview of the next units so parents and students can discuss topics around the dinner table sometimes. With high school and college, parents feel more left out of the school equation. This would be an authentic way for them to get involved again so we can all focus on student success.
You did a wonderful job of applying the tools from this course in an authentic way to your teaching. Your reflections are honest and show your growth. The artifacts you included are fine examples of your work. As you continue to teach, I am sure you will apply the concepts and skills you learned in this class to engage and educate your students.