Columbia teachers prep for “brand new” way of teaching after spring break
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
With stay-at-home orders in place across Mid-Missouri hoping to slow the spread of COVID-19, school is already looking a lot different for students and teachers.
Columbia Public Schools will begin after spring break on Monday, but the buildings will be closed until April 27th, and class and work will be done remotely.
The district is implementing alternative methods of instruction. Elementary (PK-4) will have packets of work and regular communications from their teachers. Fifth graders and secondary students will be able to submit assignments to their teacher through Schoology. English Learners and students receiving special education services will be provided access to learning
Columbia Public Schools
A teacher at Hickman High School and President of Columbia Missouri National Education Association Kathy Steinhoff said remote learning is going to look different for every class and every teacher.
"I think we are all a little nervous about it, I think we are excited about it at the same time," Steinhoff said.
She plans to hold classes over videos, using technology that can allows students to work in small groups, but has back up plans if there is an issue with her internet connection.
"My goal is to be able to Zoom with my students tomorrow so that I can see their faces, I miss them, and I think they miss each other," Steinhoff said Sunday. "Technology is technology, so I'm also trying to make sure I'm ready to go if that doesn't work so well."
Steinhoff said Monday will show which students and families may still need help getting connected. She said the district has sent out several internet hotspots for families without wifi. The district has also said students and families can use the internet outside of the school buildings.
The district is giving teachers room to try new things because of the quick move to online learning.
"It's all brand new and we don't really know what to expect," Steinhoff said. "If we go two weeks in, then we might start to have some suggestions of best practices."
Steinhoff said online learning will never replace face-to-face learning, but she said education experts are trying to mimic the most important parts of the school experience over online platforms.
"They are looking at how do we engage kids, how do we build community in a classroom, how do we assess so we know where students are," Steinhoff said. "We're really looking at all the important aspects of education and trying to see how we can adapt them in this online setting."
Steinhoff said this is something no one has experienced before, so parents and students should know this is not going to be normal.
"This is not really going to look like school at home," Steinhoff said. "It doesn't have to be a student sitting down in front of a computer all day long, that's not what it should be."
As extracurriculars and sports have been canceled, many coached have sent at-home workouts for students to stay in shape. Steinhoff said being aware of how students are feeling will be key.
"This is a stressful time for students, so really being aware of their mental health making sure they get breaks in their day, and they are able to pursue things they are passionate about, but also being able to take care of business," Steinhoff said. "It's a lot to consider."
The district has already scheduled meetings with Steinhoff coming up with plans for if the stay at home order is extended past the end of April.
"The district is trying to build contingency plans for all the possible scenarios," Steinhoff said. "But we are just taking it one day at a time."
