5 Reasons Why Online Teaching was Crummy for Me Last Week

5 Reasons Why Online Teaching was Crummy for Me Last Week

#1: Slow Internet

• I have four children, thus I have been "hiding" trying to find a peaceful place to teach. The best place is far from the internet router. Additionally, my children all have various internet needs during this time. Response: I ordered one of these things.

#2: Grading Blues

• Unlike the F2F environment, where SO MUCH of the feedback process happens via spontaneous conversation, I have found that meaningful teaching right now really requires lots of feedback. I fell behind. Not good. Response: Grade for 30 minute each day, regardless of how much I get done.

#3: Hands-On Learning

• My skillset as a teacher is working hard to create a learning environment that is defined by students DOING science. While this time has forced me to figure out creative solutions (click here and here for examples), I am struggling to figure out how to do this well.  Response: Stop judging myself when I see images of the creative solutions other teachers have (translation: adapt their ideas!)

​#4: Overcomplicating Things

• Jon Stewart said in an interview with Teri Gross: "It's through intense structure that I find the safety to be creative." This is INCREDIBLY true now. I found myself trying to squeeze in too much content and complexity last week (most likely due to a fear of the looming end of the semester, along the reality that I have covered much less curriculum). Response: Return to a focus on simplifying structures and content, so that I can amplify the prompts and tasks I offer.

#5: The Wire

• I'm binging The Wire for the first time and it's really cramping my style. Response: Nothing. It's too good to stop.