Welcome to a timely post that gives us a quick break from the 70 STEM links series. In this post I thought you might be interested in learning more about eLearning and inclement weather make up. It just seems to be the right time of year for this discussion. In the next post I will continue the STEM Series. First, to ensure you do not miss a valuable post or other resources covering PBL, Digital Curriculum, Web 2.0, STEM, 21st century learning, and technology integration, please sign up for 21centuryedtech by email or RSS. As always, I invite you to follow me on twitter (@mjgormans). Please give this post a retweet and pass it on. Have a great week – Michael Gorman (21centuryedtech)
Over 25 Ideas for eLearning… Inclement Weather and Snow Day Make Up
The winter of 2014 /15 is proving to bring some weather that has definitely affected school calendars across the country. In fact, this winter has prompted some school districts to look at their e-leaning programs and ask the question, “Can the day be made up using eLearning and the internet?” As you might know, many schools have started to shovel this new path and learning keeps going on… weather… or not. I thought I would provide some points of reflection that may help your district if there is an interest in using eLearning to keep the education process going, even when the physical doors of the school are closed. In the space below you can learn more about using eLearning during inclement weather including a upcoming Twitter Chat and an Archived Webinar. Please take time to reflect on the 25 ideas to consider followed my an eLearning video message I presented for my district. I do hope you will see that there are valuable learning opportunities for teachers and students that reach far beyond making up a day.
ISTE’s OLN Archived Webinar on Inclement Weather – Link to webinar.
As president of (OLN) Iinvite you to this very special archived webinar presented by the Online Learning Network at ISTE. You will learn from some amazing individuals representing school districts across the country. The webinar hosts three districts that shared how they implemented online learning options to make up snow days. It is a must attend presentation for those looking at eLearning as a possible way to make up inclement weather days.
25 Ideas To Consider When Investigating eLearning for Inclement Weather Make Up
I worked with a team of amazing educators in my home district to help plan and implement an eLearning initiative for inclement weather.. Of course… several years of one to one computing did help, but we also learned a number of strategies and ideas that I hope might help your school or district if you plan to look at e-learning as a possible solution for school make-up. I know there is a lot more to consider, but reflection on these may provide a good start. Please let me know if there might be others that could be included. I am also still learning!
1. Determine if school and district have the resources to use an e-learning experience in such a fashion.
2. Check any guidelines provided by the state DOE.
3. Gather input from all district stakeholders including educators, parents, and students beforehand.
4. Collect student data regarding home internet connectivity.
5. Determine community wifi access points.
6. Investigate possible home connect programs for students who do not have access.
7. Provide labs and access points at buildings in the district and communicate availability to students and parents.
8. Investigate student special needs and include provisions in individualized learning plans.
9. Allow extra time on work to accommodate students who may have difficulty connecting on the day off.
10. Provide building facilities outside of school hours to provide for students that have difficulty connecting.
11. Attempt to blend lessons as much as possible with learning that would have taken place if school was in session.
12. Provide training and assistance to teachers regarding the use of the district LMS and blended learning.
13. Encourage teachers to provide some low tech solutions such as using a video that can be accessed by cell phone.
14. Emphasize that safety comes first and that no one should venture out to an access point if weather is a problem.
15. Make a plan for the program, communicate both online and offline, and be sure that all stakeholders understand the way the program will work.
16. Understand that student work load may be different online, and a forty minute class may only require half the work time.
17. Ask that teachers be aware of not providing busy work, instead ensure that work is meaningful and relevant.
18. Ask teachers to communicate with students after each school day off in order to get a temperature read for future planning
19. Find examples and encourage teachers to plan lessons that help students understand how to learn in the digital world.
20. Take advantage of opportunities to promote digital citizenship.
21. Attempt to set up teacher office hours that provide multiple avenues of connection while also allowing for anonymity in contact information.
22. Provide opportunities and understanding that allows real blended learning to become a daily practice, not just
23. Understand that the district may need to make different accommodations for students unable to participate in this type of program.
24. Evaluate, revise, and reflect on the program on a consistent basis.
25. Celebrate both large and small successes with constant communication and public relations.
Take a moment so I can share this video on how eLearning and Snow Days really do go together. Video Link
In conclusion I hope you have enjoyed reading and reflecting on the possibility. If you wish, please take a look at this video where I have the opportunity to present eLearning for inclement weather make up to my school community. Thanks for joining me and please feel free to check with me on questions you might have involving lessons that I have learned. Best of all… remember that spring will be here soon!
cross-posted at 21centuryedtech.wordpress.com
Michael Gorman oversees one-to-one laptop programs and digital professional development for Southwest Allen County Schools near Fort Wayne, Indiana. He is a consultant for Discovery Education, ISTE, My Big Campus, and November Learning and is on the National Faculty for The Buck Institute for Education. His awards include district Teacher of the Year, Indiana STEM Educator of the Year and Microsoft’s 365 Global Education Hero. Read more at 21centuryedtech.wordpress.com.
