What Does Online School Look Like for Me? A Guest Post by Ms. D.

What does online school look like for me?

- Online schooling looks like dedicating one subject to each day of the week.

- Online schooling looks like sending out 3 reminders a day for work that is due via three different modes of communication (i.e. Google Classroom posts, emails, and direct messages)

- Online schooling looks walking away from my computer for 10 minutes and coming back to 11 more emails.

- Online schooling looks like 5 of those 11 emails being just about how to use a computer, rather than what the actual assignment is asking.

- Online schooling looks like spending hours recording my lessons as videos to send to the kids.

- Online schooling looks like spending more hours of lesson planning just looking for different videos and apps I can use to make learning more enjoyable.

- Online schooling looks like Live Sessions with the entire class as well as additional one on one time with each student who needs help.

I’m sure by now, many of you reading are thinking “That’s a lot!” or “Glad I have a desk job.” Many hear about the work I do and immediately assume my workload has been doubled since I have started teaching online. Furthermore, many might think all my previous descriptions of online schooling are negative.

Yes, I do have to work double what I normally did to create online lesson plans.

No, I do not see a single aspect of all I have mentioned to you as negative in any way.

Dedicating one day a week to each subject allows me to spend a longer amount of time actually diving into a lesson and having adequate time to explain everything without peering over my shoulder at the clock! And while, yes, it does take a long time to properly record and post a lesson, I know that each student now has the opportunity to go back and watch that video as many times as they need to take adequate notes and truly digest and learn the information; no more “Can you repeat that one more time?” or “Miss D, don’t erase the board yet!”

The ability to reach the students through three different modes is a blessing! I have gone from not receiving at least 6-7 assignments a week (from students who have forgotten about the homework) to ZERO missed assignments! Yes, it is a hassle to constantly have to send these reminders. However, at the end of the day, when the children are actually completing the work 100% of the time, they are gaining the knowledge and practice the homework is intended for! And that’s a huge win for me.

As for the emails, I get 30-50 emails a day!….and I love to see each and every email come in. These emails show me that my students are engaged in the material: they want to be sure they did it correctly before submitting, they want to make sure I received their work, they want to ask me questions on how to do it better next time! I LOVE to see how engaged in their education and in their grades, they are! Furthermore, when I am asked how to use the technology, I am delighted at the opportunity to teach the next generation the benefits to technology as well as all the tips and tricks they will need to have a better future with technology! Technology isn’t going anywhere. The sooner they learn about how to use it, the better off they will be! And to be a part of their journey in this area is such a gratifying experience.

Lesson planning takes up a lot of time in my day as well…because I CHOOSE to take a lot of time! Understanding that online schooling is looking like a long-term solution this school year, I have spent my weekends looking into different apps and websites that can make learning fun! The last thing I want is for my kids to lose their love for learning just because of the repetitive nature of online schooling. After spring break, I have full intentions of showing the kids just how fun school is, whether in person or online! So, no, I do not mind in the slightest that I am spending more of my personal time with lesson planning because I know that it is what’s best for the betterment of each of my students’ education and mental health.

That being said, spending time both teaching live to my entire class as well as multiple one on one meetings is something else, I look forward to! I am here and I intend on assuring all my kids that I will continue to be here for them whether they are in my physical or virtual classroom! Furthermore, as I said before, it is a delight to see students asking for more help. I love to see the initiative they are taking in their own education.

While I no longer have my physical classroom to see each of your wonderful children, I know that I have a virtual classroom filled with students who are engaged in their education and are always doing what they can to put their best foot forward. If you were only able to take away two messages from this entire post, I hope they are the following:

1)    It takes a lot of time and patience to teach these kids online. I have been practicing patience with your child’s education experience since September! However, not all of you have. I ask that you be patient with your little ones. Understand that this is a new and stressful situation for all of them. Please do not stress them further by not listening to their concerns or being too hasty with showing them how to do things online. Know that I am very considerate of technical issues and am 100% prepared to be lenient when it comes to such issues! I have told all of the children that if they are having any type of issue at home that prevents them from working, all they need do is email me immediately and I will work with them on a case to case basis. 

2)     I am here for them, and for you parents, in every way, no matter what that looks like! I want you all to please feel free to message me with any questions or concerns; we are all in this together! There is no reason you should have to feel alone when the entire Maarif School community is here to support you. Go forth in good health and good spirits; we will get through this stronger than we came in!

Best wishes,
Ms. D.