I have always done a lot of experiments and demonstrations with my classes. Attempting to continue with this hands-on approach has added another layer of difficulty to distance learning. I have had entire experiments need to be recreated because my camera on the chromebook wasn’t aimed at the experiment correctly. So frustrating for the students and myself. My kitchen has become my lab, but I need to be able to share what we are looking at. When we have gotten the demonstrations right, the collaboration has been similar to in class discussions. The give and take of ideas, building on each other’s ideas, has been magical to see and hear. It is my wish that if we need to continue with distance learning in the fall, that all of our days could be days when the kids can see what is being demonstrated and we can continue to build on that give and take. Having a camera will enable me to concentrate on facilitating those discussions and manipulating the labs instead of manipulating the chromebook camera.
Additionally, with the new next generation standards being put into place, I don’t have all materials needed to demonstrate all of the concepts the students need to be exposed to. Having test tubes and the equipment to use them, will allow me to reach more students. Many times this year, I have not been able to show the students experiments that would have facilitated learning. I did not have the materials to show them those demonstrations and our school has not had funds to buy those extras in several years. Being able to independently find these materials for our school, would be so beneficial to students who deserve to have the same opportunities that students in more affluent districts have.
About my class
I have always done a lot of experiments and demonstrations with my classes. Attempting to continue with this hands-on approach has added another layer of difficulty to distance learning. I have had entire experiments need to be recreated because my camera on the chromebook wasn’t aimed at the experiment correctly. So frustrating for the students and myself. My kitchen has become my lab, but I need to be able to share what we are looking at. When we have gotten the demonstrations right, the collaboration has been similar to in class discussions. The give and take of ideas, building on each other’s ideas, has been magical to see and hear. It is my wish that if we need to continue with distance learning in the fall, that all of our days could be days when the kids can see what is being demonstrated and we can continue to build on that give and take. Having a camera will enable me to concentrate on facilitating those discussions and manipulating the labs instead of manipulating the chromebook camera.
Additionally, with the new next generation standards being put into place, I don’t have all materials needed to demonstrate all of the concepts the students need to be exposed to. Having test tubes and the equipment to use them, will allow me to reach more students. Many times this year, I have not been able to show the students experiments that would have facilitated learning. I did not have the materials to show them those demonstrations and our school has not had funds to buy those extras in several years. Being able to independently find these materials for our school, would be so beneficial to students who deserve to have the same opportunities that students in more affluent districts have.