Coronavirus: EVSC teachers adapt to engage students through online instruction
EVANSVILLE, Ind. — To keep students' focus while working virtually — which has placed unprecedented strain on educators worldwide — local teachers have aimed to produce more engaging daily instruction.
Between recording lessons to be aired on WNIN, Kerry Sensenbrenner is focused on keeping her sixth grade students interacting with one another and minimizing feelings of isolation.
Sensenbrenner, a Thompkins Middle School science teacher, pushes her students to complete "jigsaw" and collaborative assignments with their classmates.
Each student selects and researches a topic, then places their fragment of information into a shared class presentation or Google Drive folder. On certain assignments, Sensenbrenner even asks students to comment on each other's work for peer feedback.
Initially skittish on the idea, Sensenbrenner said the assignments have helped increase student interaction, an element many of them have missed since the switch to virtual instruction.
"They've taken control of their experience, and they're connecting again without me having to push them," she said. "It's making it feel less isolating. They've really adapted."
Along with the use of digital platforms, McCutchanville Elementary School teacher Jane Elgin said she and other Evansville Vanderburgh School Corp. teachers are designing lessons based on materials available around the house.
Since the start of online instruction, Elgin's third grade class read a book about the empire state building and were tasked with constructing their own version of the towering skyscraper using canned goods, paper towel rolls and other items.
Whatever resources families have at their disposal, Elgin said, educators are working to ensure every child learns on par with their classmates and within school curriculum.
"We are trying to make sure our efforts work for everyone," she said. "We don't want to add any stress to our families. It's already a stressful time."
Along with encouraging students to utilize these resources and everyday items, EVSC spokesman Jason Woebkenberg has witnessed teachers extend a helping hand to families with the use of social media and online applications.
"Teachers are always looking for ways to support their students when they're in traditional classrooms," Woebkenberg said. "But during this time, they are really searching for online tools that help them reach their students better."
Elgin understands how difficult the transition has been for local families. Many parents are forced to serve as part-time tutors while adjusting to remote work.
The corporation worked to provide online tools and resources for educators to facilitate the transition to online instruction and make it easier for teachers to communicate with families.
Platforms like WebEx have allowed teachers to engage students remotely and assist them with assigned work, Elgin said. Her students are also using Flipgrid, which allows her to see videos of them deconstructing online assignments — just as they would in traditional classes.
"I think the students are responding positively," she said. "Their families are really holding them responsible for their learning. I've seen a lot of work done very neatly and completely, and their families are sharing when they are struggling."
Sensenbrenner has incorporated new digital tools to keep her students from watching TikTok videos during instruction. While mainly using Google Drive and Google Classroom, she's also learned how use green screen effects and create tutorial videos.
While the move to online classes has slowed teachers' instructional pace, Sensenbrenner said, she believes students will be successful as educators continue to make these efforts.
"I think the more effort we put in to make this a good experience, they're going to look back at all this and say 'I can succeed,' and have the confidence to succeed with any hiccup that's thrown at them," she said.
Having witnessed the work involved in the shift to virtual instruction, Woebkenberg said the corporation is proud of the effort on the part of students, teachers and families.
"I just think everyone has come together and worked very hard in a unique situation that none of us anticipated," Woebkenberg said.