Online Learning 1.0
Yikes! We teachers are being asked on the fly to be ready to shift to “online learning.” Schools might be—and some already are—closing their doors for as yet undefined periods of time. The Luddites amongst us are aghast while those geeky, trendy teachers are suddenly, and perhaps unwillingly, in vogue. Sheaves of paper need to be transformed into readily accessible online documents and new digital platforms need to ready—like right now—to engage and empower HUGE numbers of students and countless schools. Teachers, administrators, students and parents have to step to the plate and deliver, but this is a fastball across the corner of the plate, and it’s a small ball we have to hit. Though I don’t consider myself geeky, I have run a fair share of online classes. Hopefully, this mish-mash of thoughts might be helpful as we face this collective challenge.
Don’t be intimidated. You are probably already engaged in some variant of online learning. Anytime you post an assignment online you are making the first step. Attach a worksheet, a link, a video a quiz, a powerpoint—or any other kind of digitized or multi-media resources, and you are practically a pro. The first learning curve is to know what you can—and can’t—upload to and access from your school’s learning management system, aka LMS. This takes a bit of practice, discernment and organization. Every LMS is different, with different capabilities, so I can only say “embrace the beast” as well as you can. Leverage the strengths and work around the limitations of whatever platform you have in your hands. Even the most limited LMS can be augmented with other online platforms and apps: use shared docs to write essays and assignments, explore topics of interest in discussion forums, create class blogs, watch YouTube videos, make podcasts and utilize quiz-making software. You are only hindered by not trying. It’s a brave new world and, reluctant or not, you are its creator.
Look to the horizon and define (and sometimes limit) your expectations. Online classes require a different scope of focus. As the teacher, you are no longer the “Sage on the Stage.” You are the “Guide on the Side.” This transition can be difficult for educators used to being on stage in front of students leading an energizing classroom dynamic. Online teaching requires teachers to step to the side and be a subtle, guiding presence. As the teacher, you don’t, however, need to lose your commanding role as the leader of your class. Create a podcast, screencast or video that introduces the unit in a succinct (not too long) way that defines the focus, direction and expectations of what you hope to accomplish. Prepare them for battle, but don’t lead the charge.
Visualize your students’ experiences. By now, you have a pretty good idea of your student’s strengths and weaknesses; hence, your curriculum needs to paint both broad strokes that inspire the capable students, yet interspersed with enough precise detail to guide the more challenged students in a way that helps these students feel a sense of empowerment and defined purpose. Visualize these possibilities across the spectrum of your class. Juggle and adjust the details so that “everyone” has the power in their hands to be engaged and productive in their peculiar bents of genius in genuine ways.
Temper expectations with wise reality checks. Online assessments can become a black-hole of drudgery for you and a drag on the spirit of your students. Use shared docs for writing assignments and give appropriate and realistic feedback. This where you are the guide on the side. The temptation is always to give too much feedback, which is a sure-fire path to online burnout. I use a series of text shortcuts that highlight common errors as well as common phrases and comments of praise. By and large the kids are appreciative of short and personal comments, and they need a pat on the head as much as a kick in the behind.
Finally, don’t listen (or at least don’t give in) to those students who argue they can’t figure things out—that it is too complicated and too unfamiliar. At the same time, know your enemy and follow the KISS principle: keep it simple, stupid… Start with small steps and grow your online course in depth and breadth as your students become more adept as online students and you become more comfortable in this wild and worthwhile land of online learning. In the end, you will be amazed at what kids—and you—can do.
It’s what we—the grand and indefatigable we—have to do. It is not a choice.
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