Bonk's Pandemic Ponderings (2020) included a comment regarding the unfortunate use of the term “emergency remote teaching” (p. 595) and he further expanded on this in an interview a couple weeks back stating “lives are being changed and people are being saved with online learning possibilities." I homeschool my children (for many reasons related to having flexibility and choice for my own children) and when the pandemic happened and everyone moved to ‘remote learning’ parents often said they were struggling with homeschooling. I read an article in the NY Times about this new ‘homeschooling’ and how it was actually “crisis schooling.” The title caught my attention, but it made perfect sense—I had carefully planned my children’s schooling, I had researched for weeks, even experimented with different curriculums, and made a conscious choice to homeschool. The pandemic did not allow this to happen for everyone else, which was very unfortunate. So while the term ‘emergency remote teaching’ was not ideal, the greater issue was that it “almost distinguish[ed] it from rigorous or well-planned online learning as often practiced by experienced online educators” (Bonk, 2020, p. 595). Luckily, online learning has stuck around and learners are requiring more from their online education! "We can no longer simply survive these remote learning times," (Bonk, 2020, p. 593), we must thrive!
This notion of online, synchronous learning is very much something I am continuing to contest (battle??) Although my students are in-person I am remote and I think this adds an extra element to virtual, since I'm the most 'out of touch.' I've made my students take a couple surveys (they probably hate me a bit for that), but they don't seem to mind that I am not physically present. A couple want to be online, as well, and I see that with this 'pandemic culture' we've created (as a society), but they don't feel like their education is falling short with me online and them in-person, which I am extremely grateful for, but at the same time, I want to do more. I want to fill this disconnect (void) I am feeling. As I revamped my syllabus for my next session this past week, I made some tweaks that I am hoping will help me. Boling and Smith (2018) were right--instructional design is not a science, it is a mix of science, art, and craft. We must draw upon our research-based theories to improve our instruction; we must use our creativity to showcase our content, making sure to fit the needs of our learners, and we must utilize all of our skills, experiences, knowledge, and expertise to develop an outstandingly designed product.
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Boling. E., & Smith, K. M. (2018). Changing conceptions of design. Download Changing conceptions of design. In R. A. Reiser & J. V. Dempsey (Eds.), Trends and issues in instructional design and technology (4th Ed.), (pp. 323-330). New York, NY: Pearson Education.
Bonk, C. J. (2020). Pandemic ponderings, 30 years to today: synchronous signals, saviors, or survivors? Distance Education,41(4), 589–599.https://doi.org/10.1080/01587919.2020.1821610
Moyer, M.W. (2020). Rule No. 1 for parents doing 'crisis schooling:' Take a deep breath. Retrieved from Rule No. 1 for Parents Doing ‘Crisis Schooling’: Take a Deep Breath - The New York Times (nytimes.com)
Hi Rebecca,
I really enjoyed reading this reflection. I liked your sharing about homeschooling your kids, and how the New York Times article brought new realization to you along with that experience. Oftentimes it's all about taking on a different perspective.
I believe you must have put into a lot of thoughts in designing your synchronous sessions to make them successful. What would you think to be the major reason(s) that help your students and you stay connected for the most part? You seemed to be able to create a strong presence while teaching remotely. I think many teachers would benefit from your experience!
-Renee
Hey Rebecca,
Thanks for providing your own examples with working with online instruction. I think it is interesting how you had more time to prepare to homeschool your children whereas new parents were terrified of the idea. It seems that you know a lot about this process, and I am wondering if you have ever considered creating your own e-course on how parents can effectively home school their children? This can delve into how to research and apply different curriculums, understanding how to evaluate the children's learning tendencies to give them appropriate forms of instruction, putting together a curriculum, etc. I think that this would be very fascinating and useful to many parents!
Dr. Bonk's article discusses how online learning…
Hey Rebecca,
I enjoyed your reflection this week, especially your thoughts on homeschooling and the pandemic. I know of parents who really struggled with the work-school balance, especially those who were considered essential workers. In my previous job, I could not work remotely, neither could the 24 people who worked for me. I had to get creative with work schedules to allow people to stay at home and facilitate their kid's schooling, while still completing the required maintenance on the ship and conducting operational patrols. It was an adventure and learning experience for all. I really do hope that we have moved past the survival phase and can transform the learning experience.
Hi Rebecca,
I really enjoyed reading your reflection, especially your thoughts about the differences between intentional, chosen homeschooling and homeschooling that was thrust upon unprepared families. I really empathized with parents who were trying to work from home while simultaneously supporting and managing mandatory zoom sessions for their children.... As I've said before, I am quite jealous of your situation - I would definitely jump on that bandwagon if I felt that I could find the work-life balance that would allow for me to do it wholeheartedly. I certainly feel like we've been given a great opportunity to hit the reset button and make some impactful, meaningful change in education - I sure hope we jump at the chance …