Teaching in Trying Times

Today I taught my courses online for the first time. The learning curve is steep for teachers and students. Kids, though always on tech, are not used to taking 4 to 6 courses online,. with spotty wifi, on a smartphone. I am amazed and impressed by these young people. They show up and are counted. They miss each other, miss school, and miss the ROUTINE. Today wasn't about teaching and learning content - it was about reaching out and reconnecting with kids who are isolated and confused and scared.

We laughed together through Video Conference: they laughed at me a bit as I stumbled through the presentation view of my screens... and it felt SO GOOD to be back in their company. I managed to get back to my classroom to collect my computer and some resources and I took photos of the room which I shared with my class. And they responded via chat with "Ah - good times" and #nostalgia. Nostalgic indeed.

So I told them that every generation had its challenge: WWI, WWII, the Great Depression, Vietnam, Korea, Civil War, emigration, etc. This is their/our challenge and I know for certain that this generation of young people will survive and thrive again soon. Covid-19 will change the trajectory of career paths. It will change the way we work, teach, and learn. But perhaps most importantly, it will create a generation of survivors who will dedicate their lives to never letting this happen again.

Isn't that a great way to start the week?

Cheers,

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