Distance Learning (DL) is NOT new; MCPS needs to use current effective practices

[Anonymous]

Distance Learning (DL) is NOT new. The Department of Defense Education Activity (https://www.dodea.edu/dvhs/index.cfm) and others have been doing DL for decades around the world.

Yes, we were all surprised by the pandemic.

While our kids may still be able to do F2F learning in the classroom at some point, the MCPS leadership needs to step up and be prepared to use current, effective DL practices so our kids can learn.

The content delivered between March and the year end was less than satisfactory. Many teachers tried and others were just not capable or there was no expectation that they try.

As we head into 2020-21, our kids need more engaged teachers who are willing to teach on a video conference platform and not just send worksheets and videos.

[Anonymous]

Don't worry, as soon as they've finalized the euphemistically-named "Recovery Plan" on August 7th, they'll get started right away on this and we'll have superb DL by the time school starts on Aug. 31st

[Anonymous]

Our neighbors do DL online and let’s just say most parents wouldn’t be impressed. Links to videos and then mostly independent work. What does high quality DL look like to you OP?

[Anonymous]

I agree it can be done much better, but the comparison to college/adult DL is a demonstratively false one.

Those are adults who have paid for a course, are voluntarily sitting down in front of the computer, and have a strong interest in the outcome of the course. They have adult attention spans, adult maturity levels, and they understand the consequences if they don't pay attention or follow along.

Now compare that to a six year old, who would rather be playing in the backyard, who has a short attention span even in a regular classroom, and who really doesn't care if you mute his microphone, he's going to talk out of turn anyway. Kids are impulsive, they need to be constantly engaged or you lose their attention. When they're just squares on your screen, it's tough to tell who's zoned out, who needs redirection, who needs clarification, and who's actually comprehending the material.

And with distance learning, a seasoned classroom teacher is now stripped of a lot of their tried-and-true tools: moving around the classroom to keep kids from zoning out, giving the pointed look to the kid who's talking or fidgeting, the silent removal of a pencil from the hands of the kid fiddling with it.

You don't need to do nearly as much of this kind of thing with adults, so distance learning naturally works better than with kids. Just because it's been done for years with adults doesn't mean it still won't need a complete overhaul to work successfully with elementary school kids.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Distance Learning (DL) is NOT new. The Department of Defense Education Activity (https://www.dodea.edu/dvhs/index.cfm) and others have been doing DL for decades around the world.

Yes, we were all surprised by the pandemic.

While our kids may still be able to do F2F learning in the classroom at some point, the MCPS leadership needs to step up and be prepared to use current, effective DL practices so our kids can learn.

The content delivered between March and the year end was less than satisfactory. Many teachers tried and others were just not capable or there was no expectation that they try.

As we head into 2020-21, our kids need more engaged teachers who are willing to teach on a video conference platform and not just send worksheets and videos.

"may still be able to do face-to-face learning in the classroom at some point"?!

Maybe DoD schools have been doing this for decades, but how well have they been doing it? That's the question.

[Anonymous]

You are basing your opinion based upon the Spring. MCPS, actually the whole world, was not prepare for COVID-19. No one expected it to be this bad and our country had to shut down.

Hence, MCPS only had weeks to prepare its entire staff, teachers, etc. for distance learning. I think they could have done better but again, MCPS didn’t have experience with online classrooms.

Anyhow, I expect the Fall to be much better. Based upon the draft plan, they intend to have almost a full day of classes instead of the pathetic 1 hour of class per day.

[Anonymous]

It’s so stupid to compare it to DoD. They had years to prepare, develop, buy products/systems, train, dedicated resources and budgets. If DoD was able to have their entire Online training system in place wI think weeks, I would be impressed. I’m sure you know that DoD is infamous for being over budget and delays.

[Anonymous]

Op, could you please share what current, effective DL practices you have researched for all grade levels?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It’s so stupid to compare it to DoD. They had years to prepare, develop, buy products/systems, train, dedicated resources and budgets. If DoD was able to have their entire Online training system in place wI think weeks, I would be impressed. I’m sure you know that DoD is infamous for being over budget and delays.

^ system in place within weeks

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You are basing your opinion based upon the Spring. MCPS, actually the whole world, was not prepare for COVID-19. No one expected it to be this bad and our country had to shut down.

Hence, MCPS only had weeks to prepare its entire staff, teachers, etc. for distance learning. I think they could have done better but again, MCPS didn’t have experience with online classrooms.

Anyhow, I expect the Fall to be much better. Based upon the draft plan, they intend to have almost a full day of classes instead of the pathetic 1 hour of class per day.

So, your biggest complaint was not enough of the crap that was DL? More crap is better?

I'd much rather they keep the classes shorter--for elementary kids, anyway--have smaller class sizes, and really try to engage the kids. That would be an improvement. Four and half hours or whatever of talking heads on a screen? No, thank you.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You are basing your opinion based upon the Spring. MCPS, actually the whole world, was not prepare for COVID-19. No one expected it to be this bad and our country had to shut down.

Hence, MCPS only had weeks to prepare its entire staff, teachers, etc. for distance learning. I think they could have done better but again, MCPS didn’t have experience with online classrooms.

Anyhow, I expect the Fall to be much better. Based upon the draft plan, they intend to have almost a full day of classes instead of the pathetic 1 hour of class per day.

So, your biggest complaint was not enough of the crap that was DL? More crap is better?

I'd much rather they keep the classes shorter--for elementary kids, anyway--have smaller class sizes, and really try to engage the kids. That would be an improvement. Four and half hours or whatever of talking heads on a screen? No, thank you.

Did you missed the entire post written by the PP?

[Anonymous]

Geez! It might make sense to stop arguing and read, think and consider.

As the OP, my point is that there are some tried and true ways to do DL.

While I would prefer that my kid were in F2F classes, it is likely that he will be in DL classes. To that end, MCPS needs to make the most of it and use current, effective practices, which I am certain have been outlined in some great research and published. In shedding light on the fact that DODEA has been doing this is that we can all learn from others who have excelled.

FWIW, I'm in public health so this is not my area, but using scientific evidence and anecdotal findings is consistent with how we do our work and would makes sense in this case too.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Geez! It might make sense to stop arguing and read, think and consider.

As the OP, my point is that there are some tried and true ways to do DL.

While I would prefer that my kid were in F2F classes, it is likely that he will be in DL classes. To that end, MCPS needs to make the most of it and use current, effective practices, which I am certain have been outlined in some great research and published. In shedding light on the fact that DODEA has been doing this is that we can all learn from others who have excelled.

FWIW, I'm in public health so this is not my area, but using scientific evidence and anecdotal findings is consistent with how we do our work and would makes sense in this case too.

You’re in public health but your few hours of web research is adequate for you to discuss the details including the engineering & information technology of how to properly do online teaching/training? Okay. Got it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Geez! It might make sense to stop arguing and read, think and consider.

As the OP, my point is that there are some tried and true ways to do DL.

While I would prefer that my kid were in F2F classes, it is likely that he will be in DL classes. To that end, MCPS needs to make the most of it and use current, effective practices, which I am certain have been outlined in some great research and published. In shedding light on the fact that DODEA has been doing this is that we can all learn from others who have excelled.

FWIW, I'm in public health so this is not my area, but using scientific evidence and anecdotal findings is consistent with how we do our work and would makes sense in this case too.

What are they?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Geez! It might make sense to stop arguing and read, think and consider.

As the OP, my point is that there are some tried and true ways to do DL.

While I would prefer that my kid were in F2F classes, it is likely that he will be in DL classes. To that end, MCPS needs to make the most of it and use current, effective practices, which I am certain have been outlined in some great research and published. In shedding light on the fact that DODEA has been doing this is that we can all learn from others who have excelled.

FWIW, I'm in public health so this is not my area, but using scientific evidence and anecdotal findings is consistent with how we do our work and would makes sense in this case too.

You’re in public health but your few hours of web research is adequate for you to discuss the details including the engineering & information technology of how to properly do online teaching/training? Okay. Got it.

Wow, you seriously cannot deal with the DL. So sorry for you since it is what our kids will be doing - unless you move elsewhere.

Oh, and didn't realize I needed to compose a dissertation in order to post my opinion. You seem to be just fine say a whole lot of nothing. My point is that DL is not new. Let's all learn from others who have done it well and encourage MCPS to examine the options.