What opportunities does online learning give you as compared to face-to-face classes?
The students at UNC Center for Urban Education almost unanimously prefer face-to-face classes, thanks to the dynamic discussions and supportive environment. Since they had to quickly transition to a different model, we asked them to consider the positive aspects of online learning. The themes were flexibility, focus, and growth. Here’s what they said:
“It’s given me the opportunity to explore things on my own. I research ideas rather than discussing them in class. I enjoy both, but going online has helped encourage self-exploration.”
"Going online has helped encourage self-exploration.”
"I have been able to really focus on assignments because of how much free time I have had.”
“Having online classes pushes me to take advantage of my external resources, because most of the common learning resources I would turn to are not available.”
“It allows me to research topics in depth and work on class content at my own pace.”
How are you able to serve children while schools are closed?
The themes were using new technology and communicating with parents and families. Here are some of the students’ comments:
"The team at the school I work in has created a way to make read-aloud videos for the students. It's different, but it's been fun. We have also been able to stay in touch with families and check in with them.”
"I am getting used to using Zoom for our Saturday math meetings. Students can ‘raise their hand’ when they have an answer and again when they are ready to share how they solved a problem. They tell me how they approached a problem, and I record their thinking on a virtual whiteboard for all to see. I have also used the breakout room feature of the Zoom platform to put students into small groups to discuss problems. I can visit groups to hear how they are doing, ask questions, and then get out of their way. The best feature of the breakout rooms is that it gives all students the opportunity to participate and get their voices heard.”
"I have also used the breakout room feature of the Zoom platform to put students into small groups to discuss problems. I can visit groups to hear how they are doing, ask questions, and then get out of their way."
"We are testing different platforms to see which one will work best for our students, including Google Classroom, Seesaw, Screencastify, and Google Hangouts Meet. We are planning to meet virtually with our class at least four times a week and provide office hours so that our students and their families can ask questions. Yesterday, I assisted in passing out technology to families in need at our school.”
Some of our teacher candidates are not actively working with kids right now because their schools aren’t set up for that kind of interaction yet. But the teacher candidates are not resting! Here are a couple of examples:
“I sent a video to our principal to share with our students so they can see our faces and know that we are okay.”
“I’m handing out lunches each day. It’s allowing me to get to know the cafeteria staff and better understand the many functions of my school.”
