While most kids this age may not know how to type, they typically do have some skills (probably from video games). That is, they can manipulate a mouse and click on the right answer. Of course, the "teacher" will need to read the answers (and what she is reading would have to be highlighted).
I happen to think that there may be some very positive unintended consequences via the coronavirus:
1) The world-wide shutdown likely gave our environment some breathing space to partially reset itself. Even with global warming, it may be that we have, in the bigger picture, at least delayed our demise.
2) We know that pollution levels went down significantly.
3) There are likely fisheries and other animals that recovered due to the lack of demand (from restaurants, etc.).
4) I haven't hear the stats, but while it may be true that we lost many via COVID-19, it is also likely that many were spared from drunk drivers and other car accidents because of the lockdown.
5) As for education, what if children learn to read FASTER because they now have a teacher reading it TO them (especially in homes where there is very little of that going on)?
These might be too much or over the top, but there could be some silver lining to it all (please, God).
I wrote to Khan Academy about how, just as we have a Strategic Oil Reserve, we need a Strategic Education Reserve (SER) that has ALL REQUIRED COURSES for ALL LEVELS in a highly-developed video format. That is, the best teachers in every course/grade come up with an incredible syllabus for the course. One, some, or all--or even an avatar--teaches the course, but with the added benefit of all the bells and whistles: images, video clips, graphics, music, even short breaks for humor, etc. This would have associated documents (study guides, maps, etc.) that could be downloaded or online and interactive.
But here's the kicker: Actual classroom teachers would still be on hand to answer questions. They could pause the presentation to add some of their own content. They could check for understanding at appropriate times. They could have sidebar conversations with struggling students, etc.
It gets better: What if, when students finally return to school, those same great lessons are available and can be used in the classroom. Surely the best teachers in America via video is better than a mediocre live teacher? That is not to denigrate the sincere, yet mediocre, teacher. But it does ENABLE them in a huge way! Just like the online version, they can pause the presentation. But in the classroom, they can also exert proximity control on troublesome students. Administer passing our and grading papers. Adding their own content. In other words, adding value (while they may not be great teachers, that doesn't mean they can't add value to great teaching).
I quite agree with you, Aaron. There are a variety of positive benefits that may accrue to the pandemic generation, including for example a lifelong change in various habits. Both of my parents lived through the Great Depression, and they became lifelong thrifty people and savers - even during their retirement - because of what "might happen" in the future.
And the possibilities for online education are immense, including individual instruction. It remains to be seen how many families will learn to take advantage of this or have the means to do so.
My friend's kid started kindergarten during the pandemic. The parents were both working from home, on business calls but had logged her in to her class and found their kiddo panicking because the teacher needed them to click the "start" button, but she hadn't yet learned to read and had no idea what to click! The poor kid felt like she had failed something she was supposed to know. It was obviously due to the ad hoc nature of setting up an online kindergarten but the joke is not too far off
The AaronS plan sounds good, but who decides who the best teachers for all students are? Teachers from one region may not grasp students from another. I guess the live teacher to moderate the feed would alleviate much of that. I also see a danger, assuming the federal government runs this program, of inserting propaganda into the lessons. Brainwashing can not start too early. xoxoxoBruce
While most kids this age may not know how to type, they typically do have some skills (probably from video games). That is, they can manipulate a mouse and click on the right answer. Of course, the "teacher" will need to read the answers (and what she is reading would have to be highlighted).
ReplyDeleteI happen to think that there may be some very positive unintended consequences via the coronavirus:
1) The world-wide shutdown likely gave our environment some breathing space to partially reset itself. Even with global warming, it may be that we have, in the bigger picture, at least delayed our demise.
2) We know that pollution levels went down significantly.
3) There are likely fisheries and other animals that recovered due to the lack of demand (from restaurants, etc.).
4) I haven't hear the stats, but while it may be true that we lost many via COVID-19, it is also likely that many were spared from drunk drivers and other car accidents because of the lockdown.
5) As for education, what if children learn to read FASTER because they now have a teacher reading it TO them (especially in homes where there is very little of that going on)?
These might be too much or over the top, but there could be some silver lining to it all (please, God).
I wrote to Khan Academy about how, just as we have a Strategic Oil Reserve, we need a Strategic Education Reserve (SER) that has ALL REQUIRED COURSES for ALL LEVELS in a highly-developed video format. That is, the best teachers in every course/grade come up with an incredible syllabus for the course. One, some, or all--or even an avatar--teaches the course, but with the added benefit of all the bells and whistles: images, video clips, graphics, music, even short breaks for humor, etc. This would have associated documents (study guides, maps, etc.) that could be downloaded or online and interactive.
But here's the kicker: Actual classroom teachers would still be on hand to answer questions. They could pause the presentation to add some of their own content. They could check for understanding at appropriate times. They could have sidebar conversations with struggling students, etc.
It gets better: What if, when students finally return to school, those same great lessons are available and can be used in the classroom. Surely the best teachers in America via video is better than a mediocre live teacher? That is not to denigrate the sincere, yet mediocre, teacher. But it does ENABLE them in a huge way! Just like the online version, they can pause the presentation. But in the classroom, they can also exert proximity control on troublesome students. Administer passing our and grading papers. Adding their own content. In other words, adding value (while they may not be great teachers, that doesn't mean they can't add value to great teaching).
In any case, just some thoughts....
I quite agree with you, Aaron. There are a variety of positive benefits that may accrue to the pandemic generation, including for example a lifelong change in various habits. Both of my parents lived through the Great Depression, and they became lifelong thrifty people and savers - even during their retirement - because of what "might happen" in the future.
DeleteAnd the possibilities for online education are immense, including individual instruction. It remains to be seen how many families will learn to take advantage of this or have the means to do so.
a lifelong change in various habits
Delete4 years later, how are we doing on those changed habits?
Personally, I'm somewhat surprised how quickly we swept that whole affair under the carpet as if it never happened.
I did stop taking metro to work - mostly.
No one expects a Kindergartener to have those skills! Sometimes memes are just kind of dopey.
ReplyDeleteMy friend's kid started kindergarten during the pandemic. The parents were both working from home, on business calls but had logged her in to her class and found their kiddo panicking because the teacher needed them to click the "start" button, but she hadn't yet learned to read and had no idea what to click! The poor kid felt like she had failed something she was supposed to know.
DeleteIt was obviously due to the ad hoc nature of setting up an online kindergarten but the joke is not too far off
The look on that young girl's face expresses exactly what I felt on my first day as a newly promoted manager.
ReplyDeleteThe AaronS plan sounds good, but who decides who the best teachers for all students are? Teachers from one region may not grasp students from another.
ReplyDeleteI guess the live teacher to moderate the feed would alleviate much of that.
I also see a danger, assuming the federal government runs this program, of inserting propaganda into the lessons. Brainwashing can not start too early.
xoxoxoBruce