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A Teacher's Reflection: Online Instruction
Nikki Gutierrez
Upper School Science Teacher
How was the transition to online instruction?
I am so impressed that my team moved to an online school basically overnight. It has been really impressive how our staff and community have come together to support each other in learning the new technology and tools to make this happen. I expected the transition to be much harder than it has been. With all of the incredible support, our online classes seem to be already running smoothly and students are working hard and meeting their learning goals. Although I have worked through a few glitches, I have already started to build strong tech skills and new styles of teaching that work for online learning.
I am so impressed that my team moved to an online school basically overnight. It has been really impressive how our staff and community have come together to support each other in learning the new technology and tools to make this happen. I expected the transition to be much harder than it has been. With all of the incredible support, our online classes seem to be already running smoothly and students are working hard and meeting their learning goals. Although I have worked through a few glitches, I have already started to build strong tech skills and new styles of teaching that work for online learning.
What would you say differentiates Scheck Hillel Community School from other schools?
Scheck Hillel is like a family! The staff and community come together to support each other and build from everyone's strengths. Because we have strong relationships with our students, we are able to better connect with them through challenges as well as build on their strengths. This becomes especially important in times of stress and change. Our administration and technology teams have also gone the extra mile to be sure staff has the technology and resources as well as training needed to shift into online learning. Staff meet in small learning teams to discuss online teaching strategies and address student needs.
Scheck Hillel is like a family! The staff and community come together to support each other and build from everyone's strengths. Because we have strong relationships with our students, we are able to better connect with them through challenges as well as build on their strengths. This becomes especially important in times of stress and change. Our administration and technology teams have also gone the extra mile to be sure staff has the technology and resources as well as training needed to shift into online learning. Staff meet in small learning teams to discuss online teaching strategies and address student needs.
Beyond live classes, what tools are we offering to our students?
Students have not only taken advantage of our online live classes, but are using a variety of tools to support their learning and stay connected with the Scheck Hillel community. Teachers have built out extensive class pages with resources for each course including video links, online labs, online assessments, daily calendars to find learning activities, and extra practice for learning. Virtual office hours are offered and teachers connect through email with students throughout each day to help with specific questions. Additionally, supplemental learning opportunities are offered as a way to increase learning "outside of the classroom" and build even stronger relationships. Just today I hosted a discussion on the plants and animals of Florida where we learned about nature around us. Not only was it educational, but it was an opportunity to meet each other's pets and engage in a way that helps us get to know one another outside of the classroom.
Students have not only taken advantage of our online live classes, but are using a variety of tools to support their learning and stay connected with the Scheck Hillel community. Teachers have built out extensive class pages with resources for each course including video links, online labs, online assessments, daily calendars to find learning activities, and extra practice for learning. Virtual office hours are offered and teachers connect through email with students throughout each day to help with specific questions. Additionally, supplemental learning opportunities are offered as a way to increase learning "outside of the classroom" and build even stronger relationships. Just today I hosted a discussion on the plants and animals of Florida where we learned about nature around us. Not only was it educational, but it was an opportunity to meet each other's pets and engage in a way that helps us get to know one another outside of the classroom.
How has been the response from students? How has the administration supported you during this unique time?
Students continue to impress me with their adaptability and resilience. It really speaks to what a wonderful community we have. I believe the strength of our community now, is a reflection of the foundational relationships we have been building all year. Students support each other with chat groups, tech support, and positive reinforcement. Students have even supported me in learning new technology tools by suggesting ideas, sharing what they find works best for them, and modeling new ways to be creative learners from home. The administration has hosted multiple support discussions for staff and provided many resources for how to best shift into the online learning environment. Administration remains consistently positive and available to help.Any anecdote you would like to share?
Now, more than ever, I realize the value of a supportive community. I am so grateful to be part of the Scheck Hillel team! As an educator, I was originally concerned that closing campus would mean that students would not be able to keep learning together and meet their learning goals for the school year. Now, I find that this is an opportunity to build new skills and use creativity to learn more than ever!
Now, more than ever, I realize the value of a supportive community. I am so grateful to be part of the Scheck Hillel team! As an educator, I was originally concerned that closing campus would mean that students would not be able to keep learning together and meet their learning goals for the school year. Now, I find that this is an opportunity to build new skills and use creativity to learn more than ever!
