Resources for Online Learning During School Closures

[Editor’s Note: We understand many schools and students cannot rely on virtual learning during the closures because many in our communities do not have access to it for a variety of reasons. We will address issues of equity in subsequent articles.]

My inbox--probably yours, too--is flooded with suggestions, how-tos, and don’t-dos, on teaching online as a strategy for dealing with COVID-19.

As I received the onslaught of teach-online resources, I collected those that made the most sense. Below is a short curation of the most useful articles, links, resources, and webinars to help you through this challenging environment, followed by some tips and answers to common questions.

Online articles

Resources, tips and more for remote and e-learning (teaching online) -- from Educational Technology Guy

Tools to prepare for school closures--suggested by Common Sense

Advice for new Online Teachers--from EdSurge

Navigating Uncertain Times: How Schools Can Cope With Corona virus--from EdSurge

Understanding the Impact of Coronavirus on K-12 Education--from EdSurge

Newsela COVID-19 resource center (and free access to their paid products this school year)

A live-tracker of the spread of the disease from Johns Hopkins University.

Snow Day? 7 Ways to Keep Teaching

An Open Letter to Teachers About Online Classes

Remote Learning: Tips for Thriving in This Ecosystem

Online webinars

One of the best I've watched in the last few weeks (as I dig into this subject) is Rushton Hurley's. Here are some great suggestions for teachers who have to start fast with little preparation:

Here are three webinars from the knowledgeable Richard Byrne: Three Free Webinars About Transitioning to Teaching Online

Distance Learning Strategies for Education Leaders, Part 1

Distance Learning Strategies for Education Leaders, Part 2

If the above webinars have already passed, you may still register to receive a link to the presentation.

Here's a short curated list of resources for teaching online:

How-to's

1. 1. Distance Learning with Google Slides–from Alice Keeler
   2. Resources for Teaching Online–from Edublog
   3. Guidance For Switching to Online Learning from Rushton Hurley

Online chats

1. 1. Adobe Connect–fully-featured with lots of options for meeting students online
   2. Google Hangouts–max. of 10-15 people
   3. Nepris–bring experts into your classes
   4. Skype
   5. Unhangouts–gather in the virtual lobby and then join a GHO

Online course sites

1. 1. Blackboard
   2. Canvas
   3. CourseSites–like Blackboard, but free for some set-up
   4. Iteach.world–online class platform

Virtual Classrooms/Meetings

1. 1. Canvas–and it’s Big Blue Button conference option
   2. Draw Chat–virtual meeting with a whiteboard
   3. Google Hangouts
   4. Webroom.net — virtual conference or meeting room
   5. Zoom

***

If you're still with me, here are quick notes on questions I've gotten from fellow educators over the past week or so:

Q: What can you as a parent do in advance?

• Be positive, upbeat about these changes. They are good—you will grow to like them. Know the pros and cons—they are balanced, maybe even skewed in favor of online.
• Assume the teacher will be flexible with students as they adapt to online learning.
• Don’t give up—try, try again, and come up with a solution that works even if it isn’t perfect.
• Let your child try to solve their problems but be there to help if they get stuck. Most online classes aren’t a virtual meeting. They’re a list of assignments, discussion boards, forums, and projects that are accomplished at the students own pace. While you’re at work, you can help your child with your own virtual meeting (via free programs like Google Hangouts, Zoom, and Webroom.net) by screen-sharing their assignment page. You can even remote in without nearly as much trouble as that used to be. Your child is not in the same room as the teacher. Don’t think you must be in the same room as your child to help.
• Know how to get in touch with the teacher (since you can’t walk in and visit their classroom). FB? Messaging? Email? What’s the best way?

Q: What are the biggest problems I face moving my teaching online?

• Tech knowledge--don't give up; there are only so many problems. Once they're solved, most of the rest of the experience will go smoothly.
• Problems—solve these together, you and the parents. Don't try to be perfect, just a problem-solver.

Q: What should students and families know before their first online session?

• Don’t be afraid.
• Get help if you’re stuck.
• Be a risk-taker—boldly go where few have gone before.

#coronaviruseducation

Schools and Coronavirus:

What You Should Know

Find general guidance on COVID-19 from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the World Health Organization, and other health organizations, in addition to resources for navigating schools closures and online learning. NEA is committed to ensuring the health and safety of its members and the students they serve and will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as they become available.

Jacqui Murray has been teaching K-18 technology for 30 years. She is the editor/author of over a hundred tech ed resources including a K-12 technology curriculum, K-8 keyboard curriculum, K-8 Digital Citizenship curriculum. She is an adjunct professor in tech ed, Master Teacher, webmaster for four blogs, an Amazon Vine Voice, CSTA presentation reviewer, freelance journalist on tech ed topics, contributor to NEA Today, and author of the tech thrillers, To Hunt a Sub and Twenty-four Days. You can find her resources at Structured Learning.