I completely agree that effective communication is crucial in any educational setting, and even more so in an online or blended environment. Clear expectations and guidelines around teacher availability, anticipated response time, class schedules, and methods of communication can help create a structured and organized learning experience for the students.

With advancements in technology, a wide variety of communication tools are available for online teaching and learning, including video conferencing, email, instant messaging, discussion forums, and virtual classrooms. These tools not only facilitate real-time communication but also provide opportunities for asynchronous communication, which can be particularly beneficial for students who may be in different time zones or have other time constraints.

Online communication can help students feel more comfortable expressing themselves, particularly those who may be shy or not as confident in a traditional classroom setting. Additionally, the use of written communication can provide an opportunity for students to reflect on their learning, take the time to articulate their thoughts, and develop their written communication skills.

However, it is also important to recognize that online communication can sometimes lead to misunderstandings or misinterpretations, particularly if nonverbal cues are missing. Teachers need to be mindful of this and take steps to clarify any confusion that may arise. Also, while online communication can provide a sense of anonymity and protection, it is essential to establish a safe and respectful learning environment where all students feel comfortable participating.

Overall, effective communication is critical to the success of online teaching and learning. Teachers need to be intentional in their communication strategies, create a positive and supportive learning environment, and be available and responsive to student needs.

The Distance Learning Playbook, Grades K-12: Teaching for Engagement and Impact in Any Setting
Douglas Fisher * Nancy Frey * John Hattie

We've had students out of school for a month now, and teachers in Alberta have been given specific direction around final marks. The first indication that came from the Education Minister was that all students would be passed through to the next grade level.

That's more or less true, but it becomes complicated at the High School level, where generally, students need to demonstrate a 50% in their overall mark to move to the next core curricular level.

However, not everyone has access to the same level of learning and education since schools were last open on March 13, so the best option has been to assign a grade for the work that was done before March 13, and assign that as the best guess of a final grade.

Students will have the chance to demonstrate their learning, and to increase their mark from whatever they might have had for the first six weeks of this semester.

We are giving students the chance to continue their learning. We hope that students have motivation to either increase their overall grades, or (better yet) increase the level of their skills and knowledge!

For some students who were anticipating finishing up their High School this year, and those who were upgrading to achieve a higher mark, they are disappointed that some opportunities to increase marks are no longer available to them (specifically Alberta Education Diploma Exams).

However, we need to think about what our role is right now. Are we here to support students with increasing their marks, obtaining their high school diplomas, prepare for the next level of learning, or to continue to foster a love of learning and engagement with their learning?

Statistically, we've seen about 2/3 of students regularly engage with their teachers in the last couple weeks when we try to host online synchronous sessions. 

reference: Calgary Herald article (April 13, 2020)

However, we also know that almost 100% of students are in communication with their teachers in some way (email, phonecall, video chat, etc). So, we know that students are being supported by their teachers - at least through regular channels of communication.

In order to increase student engagement in learning online, we need to have clear and consistent communication, standard structure and organization, and ensure we are collaborating with all of the students, teachers and experts in our field!

Our website has a lot of great tips and tools to help with these core critical areas:

• communication
• structure and organization
• collaborating

During this time, and always, we are educators first. We are all teachers. We are all learners. 

Marks do not matter as much as overall connection and engagement.

I would always be happier with a rich deep and rewarding conversation and connection than assigning marks based on work submitted to an online dropbox.

Take good care,
-M

Historically, when I've written about video, it's been about teacher-created video being used within the classroom. (See this page for tips and tricks around creating multimedia.)

However, because many teachers new to online learning are trying to replicate what takes place in a traditional classroom, they have been trying to use synchronous tools (i.e. video conferencing) with their staff and with their students.

This has come with its own set of challenges - ranging from access to secure and strong internet signals, appropriate use of the technology, mindfulness and awareness of surroundings, and the overall challenge of trying to replicate a "normal day" in a time that is anything but.

Do: Mute your microphone whenever you’re not speaking, even if you’re alone in the room. Background noise can be an annoying distraction.

Do: Be aware of your video settings. Check if your microphone is muted before delivering a two-minute monologue that no one will hear.

Don’t: Position your camera too low, too high or hooked onto a different monitor. Weird camera angles can be very distracting. Make sure your camera is eye level and on the monitor you plan to use for the conference.

Do: Make sure your room is well lit (side lighting is the best). Use natural light from windows or simply turn on the overhead light in the room to brighten up the conference.

Do: Wear appropriate clothing. I know it can be tempting to wear a work shirt and athletic shorts but dress as if you're meeting face to face. Wear clean, professional clothing for your video calls.

Do: Your wall art or decorations should be work-appropriate and your surroundings clean. This also includes your desk! Avoid having multiple coffee mugs, dishes and trash on the surface.

Do: Test your microphone before you video call by video conferencing a colleague before the meeting. Nothing is worse than trying to share something critical, and not being able to communicate clearly because your audio clarity and volume are poor.

Do: If you're in a group call without video, introduce yourself before you talk. Consider something like "Hi it’s Jim, I have a question.” Be polite and introduce yourself.

Don’t: Check or read emails or peruse articles while on the video call. This also includes doing additional work beyond the call.  It’s easy for other participants to tell if you aren't fully focused and present during the video call.

Do: When you're talking, look into the camera instead of looking at yourself talking on the computer screen. It will help others on the call feel like you're 100 percent engaged and present.

It’s important to remember that video conferences are essentially in-person interactions that allow you to communicate more effectively.

HELPFUL LINKS

• Teaching And Learning Online: Communication
• How Not To Embarrass Yourself On Zoom
• Tips and Benefits of Video Conferencing in The Classroom
  

Until next time, take good care.
​
-M