week 4: summary of 9 Ways Online Teaching Should be Different from Face-to-Face

    The article I read is entitled “9 Ways Online Teaching Should be Different from Face-to-Face.” It discusses best practices for virtual learning while acknowledging the additional barriers present. I think it’s important to look at what skills or practices that we’ve strengthened from online learning do we want to carry over when in-person learning resumes.
    One section that has become apparent to me is “Content Needs to be Simplified and Slowed Down.” We have been teaching two new math lessons each week instead of five. While it is scary to me how our students are receiving 40% of the needed content each week, I also recognize narrowing down the curriculum is essential. I feel like we are covering all topics at a very surface level. On the flip side, it’s been a relief to have two days of content and two days of practice. I feel like it’s put less pressure on students and allowed them to experience more success during something that is not ideal.
    Another area that I agree with is “Traditional Grading Practices should take a Backseat to Feedback.” I don’t necessarily think I’ve done this well. For example, when I’ve given quizzes this year I’ve typically just entered the students’ grades. Sometimes this is due to the medium I’m using. I know I can set up a google form to provide immediate feedback after they take a quiz, however that’s more work and right now I don’t have a lot of free time. I do think I’ve improved my feedback during class as I look through students’ answers on peardeck, nearpod etc. I’m often saying, “Hey Aliyah, check your answer on slide 3 you forgot to do the inverse operation…” I’ve noticed lots of kids are glad to get the feedback and ask me “will you look at my slide?” I think my system is somewhat frustrating though as instead of walking around and giving kids direct feedback I’m saying everything on the google meet so all kids are constantly hearing me talk talk talk to their peers.