Strategies for Remote Teaching
Preparing for distance learning: March 30 - April 3
Dear Teachers,
The last few weeks have been a true whirlwind for all of us! Our lives have changed in a matter of days, and we are all adjusting to our "new normal." The prospect of transitioning to online teaching is overwhelming to say the least. How do you create community and establish consistency in the face of so much upheaval, and from a screen, no less? Where to even start?
Hopefully, over the course of the next few weeks, I will be sharing some great virtual tools and virtual activities that will help you on your newfound journey of becoming an online teacher!
What You Should Read
If you read only one thing in this newsletter, this blog presents a wealth of options for how to teach online. There are structures for lessons, assessments, and creative ways to re-think teaching practices for k-12 distance-learning.
Digital Tool of the Week
Socrative
Socrative allows teachers to create exercises or educational games which students can solve using mobile devices, whether smartphones, laptops, or tablets. Teachers can see the results of activities and modify lessons to make them more personalized
Tip of the Week
Positive teacher/student relationships is still your secret weapon-and it should be something that you are continuing to build. Some would suggest that it is impossible to build relationships in the online environment. However, there are many virtual tools for you to use to continue to build positive relationships with your students. Don't forget old fashioned communication tools-email, texts and phone calls. You can also try other means as well. Here are some virtual tools that you may consider:
Setup virtual classes and/or virtual office hours (if your students have access to devices/Internet to connect in real time): Zoom, Skype, Google Hangouts (see new Google Hangout advanced features)
If students lack a strong Internet connection, connect with them via text (e.g., YoTeach!, GroupMe) or asynchronously (not in real-time) via Flipgrid or Voxer
NTSP/UNC-Pembroke
Email: frances2.hunt@uncp.edu
Website: ncntsp.northcarolina.edu
Location: 1 University Drive, Pembroke, NC, USA
Phone: 252-916-2797
Instructional Coach, Bladen County Schools
Email: carrie.brewington@uncp.edu
Instructional Coach
Instructional Coach, ISD/Public Schools of Robeson County
Email: jami.graham@uncp.edu
Instructional Coach
Instructional Coach, Public Schools of Robeson County/Scotland County Schools
Email: frances2.hunt@uncp.edu