Which is easier- online or classroom?That's a no brainer for me. Classroom. Definitely classroom. Distance teaching was ...... a test of nerves. Trying to find lessons that my kids could do at home, without assistance and without resources was almost impossible. It was almost enough to drive me into full time retirement. Or into hiding. Not to mention.... turning my hair gray.
Now, the classroom, on the other hand, is a joy. I love preparing lessons for my kids. I love setting up the stations or getting out the necessary materials. I love the questions and the interaction. I love the "light-bulb" moments. I love to watch them explore and think and reason out answers.
I couldn't see any of that that through a computer screen. For me, meaningful interaction was lost. Due to our circumstances, I couldn't see their faces or hear their voices. But even for my friends that had online class meetings something was missing.
Replacing the excited voices of my kids was the tired voice of their parents trying to figure out a lesson that I had thought was perfect for distance learning. I would search for hours. Looking for the perfect at-home lesson. Bam! I found it. I get it put together. Distribute it to my kids and then it begins. Emails, text messages, calls.
At all hours of the day and night. Where is this? Did you forget to include this in your packet? Why didn't you have them do something different? Do they really have to complete this assignment or can we just do what we want? What are your expectations? When do you want this returned? How do we send it to you online?
And on and on and on. Until my eyes are crossed and my ears are buzzing and I'm counting down the days until it's over. But is it really over? Will I return to my school sanctuary only to discover that I'm back in the distance learning nightmare? Will I be able to stay in my room, greeting my kids and sharing funny stories with my colleagues? Or will I be placed back in my home office, trying to figure it out?
And on and on and on. Until my eyes are crossed and my ears are buzzing and I'm counting down the days until it's over. But is it really over? Will I return to my school sanctuary only to discover that I'm back in the distance learning nightmare? Will I be able to stay in my room, greeting my kids and sharing funny stories with my colleagues? Or will I be placed back in my home office, trying to figure it out?
(For more of Kim Frencken's writing and information about her educational products, check out her blog Chocolate for the Teacher.)
As a recent graduate of distance learning and e-learning I find Distance learning much easier. I think where many classroom teachers are having issues are with lesson planning. In true distance learning, there is a team that has designed the course prior to the teacher teaching the course. Distance learning should not be taught in my opinion the way many districts are doing it. Again Distance education is thought out, designed, and then implemented as a course, not lessons. Just a thought.
ReplyDeleteAlso remember that young children need interaction and hands on experiences for learning to happen. Virtual isn't real.
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