By now, you have all had the experience of leading synchronous lessons and have likely had one of those UNIQUELY STRESSFUL moments when...
- your students all start messaging you that they need a password to get in the Zoom meeting
- a student turns off video and sound and you get no answer when you ask them a question
- everyone tells you you’re breaking up and they can’t hear you
- you find yourself trying to speak over barking dogs or crying siblings
- your internet connection falters or fancy new tech tool fails
- _______________ (fill in the blank disaster)
Teaching a synchronous lesson is risky, for sure. But there are also huge benefits to being in a live space with our students where we can see them, connect with them, and get an up-to-the-moment sense of how they are faring emotionally, physically, socially, and academically.
Of course, during school closure, we must provide some instruction synchronously (and for good reason). But it is fair and appropriate in your planning to pause and consider WHY you’re choosing to do an activity synchronously--what will you and your students gain from it?
This week’s newsletter is all about
PURPOSEFUL use of synchronous learning
.
But first...
