Educating through Technology

Distance learning …. who would have thought this would be added to our everyday vernacular prior to Friday the 13th! A new norm of teaching has defined the K-12 experience. Teaching and learning through technology. No longer can a physical classroom provide a fundamental place in a child’s emotional, social and academic development. No longer is it a place to check in everyday, a vehicle which supports self esteem, and provides consistent validation on so many levels. A smile, a nod, a hand gesture, a brief “Bravo… job well done”, these gestures, friendships, and mentorships are forged for life just by the physical presence of a space and people.

For students, especially ninth graders, they are now being asked to manage their own time, become a self learner, stay motivated to explore, create with the most nontraditional materials and complete assignments in a timely fashion. These are all skills that are part of the traditional learning process and which develop and are acquired slowly over a four year period. And yet, we are not only asking students to adapt academically but emotionally and physically. Maturing in one week and adapting to the new way of humanity is the new norm. Can students benefit from this structure where they are in command of their own day, they set the pace, they decide on the level of exploration of a subject matter and they engage in art-making with whatever materials they have available to them? Absolutely. We recognize students are social and physically active but for the time being virtual tours of museums are a way of life. Conversing from a computer screen is the new method of interaction these students may have.

It is a time for all of us to learn from each other. We may find ourselves working three quarters of the year working in a traditional classroom and during flu season working remotely from home. This may be the new norm but the structure of schools remains unknown. I have asked my students to view works in museums halfway around the world through virtual exhibitions, have utilized YouTube far more than I have in the past and my conversation with students has not only been about concept, innovation, imagination but also about how they are struggling with time management, or access to technology, or materials. Teaching and learning must continue in whatever format. Learning, adjusting and addressing issues will always be and continue to be a consideration. Schools play a very big part of students' development and experience in life and will continue to do so. The future is unknown but education is not. Flexibility, creativity, and adaptation are the key to continue teaching and learning.