It is Monday today, the starting day of the week. This day has always been synonyms with sadness and regret. And why not, it has lived up to its reputation for forcing people to go out and work. However, it is a different story this time. The pandemic attack of Covid-19 has forced governments across the world to lockdown their countries. India, too, has followed suit, and thus, work has moved from offices to homes.
Unlike the IT and the management employees, working from home was never an option for teachers. So, it was very obvious for me as a teacher to get baffled when I was sent a mail to do the same with my students.
The challenge was not to work with technology, rather it was ‘how’ and to ‘what extent’. As an educator, I have always acknowledged the potential of the Internet and have often used it to keep a tab on my students. From sharing Youtube videos to asking my students to upload their homework on WhatsApp, technology has had a complementing role in teaching primary level students.
However, the current scenario has presented a different challenge. The fact that I will not be able to meet my students for almost a month has got me worried. But we teachers are known for taking every scenario to our stride and coming out victorious. So, here I am, sharing a few tips that have helped me get going with my teaching in these dark times:
Select The Medium Of Transaction
The first and foremost thing that worked for me was to select a platform of delivery for my students. With a plethora of multimodal options such as WhatsApp, Google Classroom and Moodle available for free access, select the one that suits the needs of your students and you.
How To Transact
Making choices to transact your lessons in the digital age is not a cakewalk! With so many videos, lesson plans, worksheets available on the web, one is spoilt for choice. However, what works is to carefully look at the content that you want to deliver. In my own experience, I have realised that maths and science concepts can be worked out better with students if those are supplemented with videos. Languages such as English and Hindi require a most hands-on approach. Hence, try using voice notes and supplement the same with a worksheet. Making Powerpoint presentations can also be a great way to enhance the learning experience of your students
Meet Your Students Online
As a teacher, I have seen my colleagues limiting themselves to sharing of course materials over email or other platforms. However, one has to always keep in mind that learning is personalised. Hence, it becomes imperative for you to meet your students online every few days.
This way, you will not only be able to get feedback on your lessons from the students but will also be able to track the progress of your pupils. Their happy faces with nevertheless brighten your dull day.
Check Out Free Websites
Given the current crisis, a lot of paid educational websites are now offering access to their content for free. Yes, you heard it right, it is FREE. One such website which is a hit with my student is Twinkle Teaching Resources.
The website houses hundreds ‘of worksheets and teaching aids for teachers which are otherwise paid for. So, go ahead and download what all you can for your students and who knows, you might be able to use them later as well!
The Art Of Balancing
While technology is neither good or bad, it is certainly not neutral. So, as an educator, always be mindful of the risks that the overexposure of technology will have for your students. Learn to draw a line when it comes to using technology. Remember, now is the time to motivate your students to pick up a book or paintbrushes and follow their passion. The thumb rule is to never overdo with the gadgets!
So, while the situation outside is uncertain, let’s exploit technology for the betterment of our children and make sure that they are not only safe but also enjoying their learning at home!