Remote learning in D218: 'Significant changes' since spring

Remote learning has changed since second semester last spring. District 218, like all school systems, scrambled as the pandemic surged. We needed to close our buildings and switch to remote learning quickly.

Over the summer, however, district staff prepared along two tracks: The possibility that we would return to in-person instruction and the possibility that we might not.

While everyone wants students to return to school as soon as health authorities recommend, our principals laud what’s happening remotely.

In the days ahead we will share thoughts from Eisenhower, Richards, and Shepard principals Dr. Erik Briseño, Dr. Mike Jacobson, and Dr. Greg Walder. They write eloquently on the service, dedication, creativity, and professionalism with which our teachers approach each day.

What pride we feel reading their words.

Dr. Erik Briseño, Eisenhower

I think there have been significant changes in the way teachers approach remote learning this year. Due to training and preparation, teachers are in a much better position to teach remotely than they were last semester. In addition, building in more time for teachers to plan and prepare for remote learning has helped. Also, the live instruction has facilitated student engagement and communication.

Synchronous instruction, where teaching happens in real time, has allowed for students and teachers to engage in a lesson. Students are able to interact with the teacher and their classmates vs. simply sitting at home and working on their own. Students and teachers are now seeing that there are ways in which students can work collaboratively. Whether working in breakout rooms, using Google docs, or screen sharing, there is a greater understanding in how the technology available can enhance instruction.

There is definitely a collective interest to ensure our students are successful in a remote world. Teachers have worked all summer making adjustments to the curriculum, attending training to be better prepared for the school year, and volunteered time to support our communities.