So, How is Distance Learning Really Going?

This week, my ELA TOSA partner, Cathy, and I were able to host a diverse panel of some of our secondary students to hear their perspective on how distance learning has been going this semester.  

Prior to the discussion, we surveyed the students via a Google Form to not only help them preprare their thoughts for the discussion, but to also give us a litte insight into how their experience has been so we could prepare how we would present questions to them during the live event.  

One of the first questions we asked them was to consider the reasons that prevent them from attending their virtual classes.  From their responses, it was evident that issues with their Internet access or their devices were the top reasons keeping them from having good attendance.  As part of the tech department with our district, I know that we've been working hard to get all our students connected with functional devices, but hearing from these kids let us know that there are still technology issues that need to be resolved so that all of our students can have a better online learning experience.  

During our discussion, we asked the students to elaborate more about the challenges they've experienced during distance learning.  

They noted some expected issues like not physically being there with the teacher and dealing with background noise and distractions in their home that they wouldn't normally experience in the brick-and-mortar classroom environment.  They also noted that, at times, learning at home feels stressful with the amount of digital assignments they're required to submit by their teachers and the anxiety they sometimes feel when they have to communicate on camera in synchronous sessions.  They were pretty outspoken about how they didn't appreciate that some teachers required them to turn on their cameras with a threat of their grades being reduced for refusing to do so. Some students noted, however, that teachers who encouraged them to use their camera as part of particular learning community activities were more likely to have participation from most or all of the students rather than those teachers who threatened with punitive measures.  

The students also expressed frustration that some teachers turn off the chat feature in synchronous sessions which, for some students, is the only way they have to communicate with the teacher or their peers.  This leads me to the biggest challenge that our students said they were facing: loneliness.  Over and over again, these kids reiterated that they were extremely lonely during distance learning.  Even when logging online with their peers, some are being given very little opportunity to interact with each other and just be kids.  In some scenarios, students stated that they're literally home alone all day because parents are working, so the feelings of isolation and loneliness are exacerbated.  This loneliness over time has caused more saddness and depression in our kiddos... To combat that loneliness, as teachers, we must consider how we can help our kids feel more connected and a part of our learning communities.  

On a positive note, the students responded that the thing that is the most motivating for them to attend and participate in online learning is the teachers!!!

The positive relationships that many teachers are building with students are absolutely necessary and meaningful to our kiddos.  Some kids are showing up online every day just because of their teachers!  Students specifically said in the panel discussion that they appreciated the compassion, understanding, and helpfulness they are getting from some of their teachers.  They expressed gratitude for the dedication of our teachers, how teachers are checking-in with them daily, and the patience that our teachers are showing as they explain concepts over and over again until kids grasp it!  Some students noted that they have even been able to foster closer relationships with their teachers than they normally do in the regular classroom environment.  One student said that teachers' positive attitudes are a "ray of sunshine" in her day.  

The big takeaway here is RELATIONSHIPS MATTER!  We must continue nurturing relationships with students by providing support and bringing joy to the online learning environment so our students can overcome the loneliness and isolation in order to THRIVE!