For some of us, the digital classroom is a new frontier. The COVID-19 pandemic has necessitated a switch to remote learning. On the one hand, there’s more time for reading, but, on the other hand, it’s much more difficult to connect with students.
After a few weeks of distance learning, it becomes clear that there are some traits teachers need to survive and thrive in the digital classroom.
Digital Classroom Needs
Consistency: Classroom procedures are essential to building a successful classroom. Procedures are important because they help students know what to expect. And our world has become a place where the unexpected reigns, so having procedures in your digital classroom is especially important. For me, these procedures include daily posts on Google Classroom. I also do the daily work along with my students and leave them daily encouragement and feedback.
Persistence: This goes right along with consistency. At the beginning of digital learning, I had a lot of students checked out. But by posting daily messages consistently and continuing to reach out to students and families, I’ve seen student engagement tick up.
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Empathy: These are the most unusual times. So nothing is what it was before, and nothing is going to be that way again. Living through such times is surreal. So teaching through these times requires tremendous empathy for students, for co-workers, for families.
Creativity: Because keeping students engaged in the digital classroom is such a challenge, creativity is paramount. Here are 8 ways to encourage students to think creatively.
Boundaries: Finally, boundaries are essential. As teachers, we’re always giving students our best. So it’s easy to give too much even during ideal circumstances. But when you’re working from the computer, it can be even easier to be plugged in all the time. Drawing clear and consistent boundaries helps teachers protect their health, too.
Bottom Line
Unsurprisingly, the 5 traits necessary for surviving and thriving in the digital classroom and the same traits that define good teaching. Period. Strong teachers are consistent. They are persistent. They are empathetic. And creative. And they build boundaries. This isn’t a new realization, really. It’s the same conclusion I came to when reflecting on a year as a traveling teacher. Good teaching is good teaching. The classroom environment has shifted, but what it takes to survive and thrive is very similar. Be well.
