With regards to online education, I have heard several teachers in certain districts speak about how that will look. Many emphasize that education, in the form of taking classes and learning subject-specific material, should not be the priority for our students at this time. Our most vulnerable students are the ones who often do not have access to technology (e.g., internet, computer) at home, and with public facilities like libraries and schools being closed, they cannot be expected to continue their learning with a “business as usual” attitude. Instead, they are advocating ways to provide greater emotional and social support during this pandemic crisis. As well, teachers and administration are considering absolving official grades during this period of uncertainty, since issuing assignments and grades will only make the gap between our performing students and at-risk students even greater.
Any thoughts from educators on what you think should be done with our students’ education? I’m from a K-12 background, but I’d also be interested in hearing what professionals from other fields have to say about this issue.
