Remote Learning Tips
In today’s time teachers have found themselves with many challenges. They must focus on keeping themselves, their families, and their students safe, while still having the responsibility of educating the next generation. We ask, “How do they conquer such a great task?” This is a question the whole world is asking. One of the ways we as a country and many school systems are providing public education is through remote learning. In the last 4 months we have all began working creating different ways to provide the best education remotely possible. With special education being my focus and passion, I would like to share some tips that I have researched and practiced for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Developmental Disabilities. First, using the students IEP you must plan and organize instruction on student goals, routines, play, language, structure, and behavior supports. Then you need to communicate with the student’s care giver. Discuss goals and routine of lesson and how you will need their support. How much support you will need will depend on the level of the student’s ability to attend. So, you will need to assess the student’s attention and focusing skills. There are three levels:
A – Need full support from the caregiver to complete remote learning
B – Some support in the middle
C – Independent learner need little support from caregiver
The last and most important tip is to build a positive coaching relationship with the caregiver. During the lesson or session, you need to give the care giver simple direction, positive reinforcement, and encouragement. After the session or lesson is over debriefing with the caregiver is especially important. Make sure to give them positive corrective feedback that gives details such as home environment strategies, next steps, and points of positive progression. Teaching this way has been a challenge for us all, but I know with dedication and determination we can be successful.
“Teachers are expected to reach attainable goals with inadequate tools. The miracle is that at times they accomplish this impossible task.” - Williams