Online Learning
February 10, 2020 - June 18, 2020
Online Learning has been a very unexpected, challenging and exciting journey. In the epicenter of all the COVID-19 chaos, my students felt scared, vulnerable and were genuinely concerned for their own well being and health. For what we thought would only be a few weeks of Online Learning, turned into an entire semester and 20 weeks of learning through Seesaw and Zoom.
During this time, teachers, parents and students used Seesaw as the main form of communication and participation. I was impressed by everyone's ability to be so open-minded as students started to get into a routine and learned how to follow a new schedule. Throughout these 20 weeks, my students have shown tremendous growth in their independence and responsibility. Students were given opportunities to work with technology but were also encouraged to complete assignments in a variety of ways.
Class Zoom Meetings
Working in a time zone that was 12 hours behind my students created some challenges along the way, but I made myself available every night from 9:00 - 10:00 PM. This time was used as a Help Desk Hour, where students and parents could join my Zoom meetings and ask questions at any time. We also had a whole class Zoom meeting from 10:00 - 10:20 PM, where students were given the opportunity to practice their social skills and virtually interact with their classmates and teachers. I wanted this time to be full of energy and something the students looked forward to each day. We played many games together, had many discussions, and laughed a lot!
Global Collaboration
The Grade 2 team and coordinators continued to collaborate each week through constant communication on Skype and weekly planning meetings on Zoom. We each took on new roles and responsibilities and were truly depending on one another during this time. As PYP teachers, we appreciate all of the opportunities to collaborate with one another. Coming from the United States, Canada, India, and China, we made weekly meetings a priority. As the school year ended, we didn't allow for distance to stop us from important end of the year meetings. We met with our PYP coordinator week after week, working on our Program of Inquiry Review.
Student-Led Conferences
One of my favorite parts of Online Learning was our Student-Led Conferences through Zoom. It was truly amazing to sit with each child and listen to them share all they have learned during Online Learning. It was an eye-opening moment for me, as I began to realize that my students were still making progress and using unit vocabulary to support their thoughts and ideas.
Staying Positive
One of the most important elements of Online Learning was staying positive for myself and my students. Every day I sent my students a checklist with an inspirational quote in hopes to keep them motivated as they begin their work each morning. Our school kept spirits high through by hosting virtual spirit days, art exhibitions, and a sport banquet.
My second graders exceeded my expectations during Online Learning. This will be a semester that my students and I never forget.
IB Standards & Practices
Standard C3: Teaching and Learning
5. Teaching and learning supports students to become actively responsible for their own learning.
11. Teaching and learning incorporates a range of resources, including information technologies.
Section A: Philosophy
Standard A
3b. The school as a community of learners is committed to a collaborative approach to curriculum development.