Diverse Literature Webinar: Round 2

Last September I was asked to present on the importance of (diverse) book selection. It was a new experience, it was a great opportunity, and I was overjoyed to talk about one of my passions.

Given recent events, and our return to school buildings, I was asked to re-present the webinar. I’ve updated some ideas and concepts, I have added commentary and insight; I’m ready for round 2!

If you would like to join in, to hear my thoughts, listen to some research, and engage in some dialogue, registration is available here. In addition, I know Education Admin Webadvisor has a litany of classes and presenters–so the link is worth browsing regardless, if you ask me.

Hope to see you there–and wish me luck!

**For equity & transparency: there is a cost, no pressure if you cannot afford it. Additionally, know that more attendees does not impact compensation. I will receive a flat payment and merely wanted to share so that if you were interested, you could attend 🤗

Remote v. In-Person

There are merits and pitfalls to both remote and in-person instruction. And they vary depending on the reason, setting, and age group. Of course.

I think instead of lamenting about one over the other; instead, of focusing on what we have loss, it is important to consider what we have gained. I know I have said this before, but it is a challenge and as a challenging reframe I have to repeat it.

I’m currently teaching adults three times a week online. I wish it could be in-person, I wish I could visit their classrooms, I wish I could sit with them and see more of their faces, reactions, etc. Absolutely. I do have moments and times where I know it could be better, if we were together.

However, I know I have much to appreciate in this situation.

I’m grateful for the flexibility of remote learning. I don’t have to leave the house–the weather has been atrocious so staying home is nice. I am pushing my creativity skills–I am rethinking, reorganizing, re-imagining the lessons I had planned, and the lessons I am giving. I am able to connect with talent and professionals beyond my immediate circle. I am connecting with teachers from across the globe, not just teachers near me. I am learning how to use new tools. Between Zoom, Kahoot, Jamboard, ClassDojo, Padlet, etc. there is more opportunity, than ever before, to implement and practice with new online tools.

Distance learning can be trying, draining, exhausting. I admit it. I also don’t want to be burdened with the negativity–or drained by it. I love teaching, and I hope that despite it all, I keep learning and growing as a teacher, even in these difficult unprecedented times.

Remote Learning: Cons

Look, I’m not Pollyanna. I may have started with the positive, but I can be real too.

How has (mandated) remote learning (for all) been a difficult experience?

All day on screens. My eyes!
No walking . . . minimal walking.
Too. Many. Platforms.
Distance.
Loading.
Still loading.
Reconnecting.

What else?

I have tutored online previously–short segments with adult learners. It was a choice.

I have used online platforms as a center option, as a reward, as a form of enrichment, as a tool for remediation. Again, though, short segments of time and it was a choice.

This is different.

And what’s even more humbling? My scope of understanding is actually limited; I’m not teaching a classroom of kids, full-time. But I’m exhausted!

So, to all the school staff and families out there navigating forums, bandwidth, and distance: I see you. I know it’s hard . . . harder than I can even understand . . .

Remote Learning: Pros

We all have our complaints . . . and I have them too.

But are there are any good things about our current (mandated) remote learning?

🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔

Possible positive sentiments on remote learning . . .

No bulletin boards to maintain.
The weather doesn’t impact the school day.
There isn’t a line for the copier.
No school traffic–anywhere.
Learning for all–new systems, new platforms, new methods . . .
Shoes aren’t required. (I LOVE being barefoot!)
We’re building lessons and curriculum for the future.
A national conversation on the amount of work, and the true essential place of public education, has been thrust into the spotlight . . .

It was hard, difficult, to come up with this list, but I do like to frame things into a lesson, or a positive–whenever possible. It took some stretching and thinking to find these, but they seem reasonably uplifting. In other words, when I am most frustrated, or sad, I have something to reference on what I am gaining or enjoying, or what others might be gaining and enjoying, from this experience.

Do you have any other positive outcomes?