Sunday, March 22, 2020

Let's Do This Distance Learning!!!

Daisy Staff,

Let's use this blog as a means for us to communicate: our successes, our "ah-has," our queries, our questions, etc.  Let's help each other.

Remember this is an interactive blog.  All you have to do is post in the comment section.  No comment or question is insignificant or out of the question; this is a no judgement zone right here.

Let's help one another get through this new, exciting challenge.

At the same time, please know that I'm wishing good health for you and your family as we continue to practice social distancing.


So to get us started, please share what is the most important thing that you've learned so far about remote learning. 

Thanks,
Ruth



29 comments:

  1. Hi everyone! The most important thing that I have learned about remote learning is that I don't know enough for this to be quick, easy or even close to satisfactory. It seems something as simple as uploading a video of me reading a story is a process and unfortunately, a failure!

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    1. The above comment is from me! Just FYI: I attempted to use the video camera on my laptop, but whenever I attempt to share it says it is "too big". I guess size DOES matter! I also tried making a video from my phone. Still no luck uploading or sending. Grrr.

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    2. Don't worry, Marilyn, we'll all been there.....
      I just remember being told to use what we're must familiar with, so I also videod from my phone and we can also use WeVideo on our laptop. Google hangout is great for meetings and bringing others in, but not the best for presentations.
      So, if you video on your phone, you won't be able to email or text if, because it's too big. It's important to have Google Drive on your phone, then you can upload to Google Drive and then you'll have access on your laptop.
      I've spent the last few hours uploading videos to our Daisy web page, so I know your angst.
      Others out there may have even better advice/ clarifications!

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    3. The most important thing I have learned thus far is-PATIENCE! JennyP

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  2. https://www.npr.org/podcasts/675261735/the-full-story
    Scroll down to March 18 - Coronavirus: Distance Learning
    So worth listening to. Humanity, Equity, Quality - the essentials.
    Also our Commissioner's advice: Do your best! MJN

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  3. Hi Daisy Friends! I've learned that I have to find some humor in this craziness and that I'm fairly certain my dog will make regular guest appearances in my morning meeting videos. Keep calm....find the humor....:)

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    1. Good! Your students will LOVE that!!!
      My bloodhounds have joined me in videos and yesterday, I filmed two videos outside by the pond with our "Gator."

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  4. I've learned that I feel more comfortable helping the teachers, than I do about getting started with online learning. I feel stuck! I have many resources but I am having a hard time trying to figure out how it should look for students. You would think this would be easy for me, since I DO teach technology! I miss those little faces!! PS: No fair posting your comments without your name attached!

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    1. Hi Kim! The first comment was from me, Marilyn. I, and apparently others, didn't know that you had to update your blogger profile.

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    2. Kim, we so appreciate all the ways you help our staff members!!! About missing those little faces, I feel myself tearing up every night leaving a deserted building and the reading and connecting with students, families and staff is what keeps me positive!!!! Love you all!!!

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    3. How do you update the blogger profile?
      Jenny P

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  5. This experience has reinforced the fact that we are all so supportive of one another and can do anything as a team. I think I’ve talked to some people more in this last week than I do in a normal school week. Our communication will be more important now than it ever has been. You are all amazing! And whatever you do will be great. We will only get better. Good luck everyone! I’m always here for questions and support however I can be.

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    1. I agree with this comment completely! -Emma

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  6. I've learned that I can think better with 14 5-year-olds and 4 adults in front of me, than I can with a 4-year-old and 7-year-old who apparently are malnourished. Kidding aside, I'm learning to be realistic and keep things simple to start. I started dreaming way too big and got very overwhelmed. I'm also having a hard time uploading videos in a quick and efficient way. Any help is appreciated! -Steph

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    1. Same, same, same, Steph! I have also been reminded how important it is to make the time to take care of me - fresh air and sunshine work wonders! - Michelle

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  7. Remember, it may be hardest with our own families at home....or getting our own kids to listen to us.
    Try uploading videos to Google Drive; then you can share them through Google. LOVED the one of your reading and I'll post it soon! Feel free to post on your website as well.

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  8. I learned...that I have learned a lot and I have a lot to learn. Every time I figure something out, I am working towards learning something new. Is this what it feels like to be a student? My next task is figuring out how to take videos of myself. Maybe I'll ask my 14 year old for some help! - Abbi
    (oh and I can't figure out how to update my blogger profile...the least of my worries for now!!)

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  9. What are we supposed to be using to take videos of ourself and hwo do we upload it to an email for families to view?
    Jenny P

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  10. A positive I am finding is how user friendly Google Classroom is. A challenge I am facing is helping parents remotely join my Google Classroom. This is a learning curve for everyone, and I am sure as the days progress things will run smoother.

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    1. Sorry this is Tay. I don't know how to have it post with my name.

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  11. I am also feeling a little unclear about the expectations the first few days as teachers?

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  12. Regarding tech support, Ben is offering virtual tech support tonight with appointments around 11 pm.

    For creating videos, feel free to use cell phone, WeVideo and/or Google hangout and upload to Google drive.

    Regarding expectations for the first two days, I have told families and staff alike that this is a chance to check in and make sure that families can access our webpages and lessons. I'm encouraging everyone's patience and asking them to use any tech devices that they have until they're able to get Chromebooks. It's a big job initializing and cleaning one for every single student, as well as taking apart all the carts. Take it easy on yourself. Special ed teachers/service providers should be reaching out to families.

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    1. For creating videos...my husbands district is using Screencastify (free during COVID19 until April 30th) to record videos, which then atomatically uploads to my google drive. From there, I upload it to my youtube so that I can attach a link in an email to parents to view. I hope that is ok! I am not familiar with WeVideo and don't know where to find it our how to use it.

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    2. Sorry, above entry from JennyP!

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  13. Special Ed Staff, please make sure that you are up-to-date on reading all the emails specific to Special Education that Madeline has been sending out.

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  14. Just a thought, if you're videoing from your cell phone, you might want to hold it/prop it up horizontally for a wider view.

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  15. How does a para join a classroom to see what is going on? I've seen that students have been told to go through Khan Academy for access to their assignments. Not having an account- I tried to make one as a 'teacher' and now seem to be in some sort of loop that wants me to set up a classroom. How do I get out of this and in another way?

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  16. I'm experiencing Information Overload. Thankful the sun is shining today. MJN

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  17. I would like to ask how people are supporting those parents that are overwhelmed, crying, unreachable due to personal responsibilities, etc. As well as how are you supporting teammates that feel the same exact feelings as parents. And finally, how are you calming yourself? --Am I one of the few that feel very overwhelmed and feel it in my chest and back?

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