COVID-19 is Disruptive. Distance Education Gives Me Hope.

It’s kinda a weird time right now because life feels disrupted, especially school. We’re in a state of confusion with schools being closed with a tentative open date that can shift further at any time.

We’ve been kinda preparing for a week, with huge uncertainty in whether schools would actually close or not. I don’t think a week is enough time to prepare how we’re going to shift our instruction, however that’s all that the coronavirus gave us. I give a lot of credit to the districts and schools that have to make the decision to close, especially with the logistical nightmares that are not seen by the public and even staff. 

COVID-19 made me realize that the schools in our nation are so unprepared for these situations. At the same time, how can we know to prepare for this until it actually happens, right? We can’t predict everything that happens.

Distance education tools give me hope

Having just finished my master’s degree in educational technology, I realized that as our understanding of technology grows, so will our ability to utilize technology to create educational spaces beyond the walls of the classroom. Many colleges are shifting to online instruction by utilizing software like Zoom to allow teachers, professors, and students to interact with one another. I used Zoom in my master’s program and it opened my eyes to see how learning can really take place in the comfort of my home. 

Even though it’s so important to be in school to build 21st century skills like presentation and collaboration, as well as learn using resources that can’t be accessed from home, it’s possible to keep learning rigorous and engaging remotely. In these situations, learning can still happen and that’s what I’m excited about. Even though we’re not prepared for this right now, I know that because we’re going through this pandemic and working through its effect on the school system now, we’re going to have new and improved measures the next time something like this occurs. 

Creating an online space for students

Until then, I know that I’m going to be there for my students using Zoom and Instagram. I have packets prepared for my students that will be sent out by my school, however I want to also support them through it so they know they’re not on their own when they work through the content. I have office hours set up on a video call that I plan to send out for those who can access Zoom through their computers, phones, or tablets. For those who do not have internet, I took a poll and learned they all have an Instagram. I’ll also go on Instagram live and create a space where they can ask questions through this social media platform. It’ll be a work in progress and I still need to see how that goes, or if students will even show up online, but I’m excited that I can still support them remotely thanks to technology. 

It’s pretty difficult

I learned trying to integrate office hours in my classroom that this whole situation isn’t as simple as, “Just make your instruction online!” That involves hours of work trying to figure out what can and cannot be transitioned to remote work. That involves figuring out what platform to use and what students can have access to.

More importantly, that involves thinking about how to create online learning experiences, while maintaining an equitable and inclusive education for all students.