It could serve as an alternative to suspension, avoiding permanent records. Students could claim they’re using the robot to prevent COVID-19 exposure as an excuse.
I remember teaching online during Covid. Parents would be in the background, drinking, smoking, and playing loud music. I would ask students like Anthony to mute their microphones because we don’t need loud music during class. Anthony would ignore the request, continue playing his games, and occasionally disrupt the class with loud music when unmuted, eventually shutting his computer off in frustration.
@keny
I wish my online classes during COVID had even a fraction of that engagement. Mostly, it was just silence with no cameras or interaction.
ScholarSam said:
@keny
I wish my online classes during COVID had even a fraction of that engagement. Mostly, it was just silence with no cameras or interaction.
Teaching during COVID was relaxing for me because there was no pressure to force engagement. I could focus on the few who were interested, and these students thrived. Many say virtual learning is challenging, but those who tried, in my experience, excelled far beyond the traditional classroom setting.
@jordansmith
My child attended kindergarten remotely during COVID, which surprisingly suited her well. She could move around freely, taking breaks for physical activities, which kept her engaged. The short, focused class segments aligned well with her attention span, offering a better learning environment than a conventional classroom might have.
ScholarSam said:
@keny
I wish my online classes during COVID had even a fraction of that engagement. Mostly, it was just silence with no cameras or interaction.
So many ceiling fans in the background during those calls.
@Henry
And don’t get me started on the smoke detectors that needed new batteries. How can anyone ignore that constant beeping?
RaeganRevord said:
@Henry
And don’t get me started on the smoke detectors that needed new batteries. How can anyone ignore that constant beeping?
@keny
You didn’t mention the time when Anthony’s mother complained about you ignoring her son. She argued that his loud music helps him focus and blamed you for not accommodating her ‘angel.’
holmesben said:
@keny
And there were no consequences for his actions, I assume?
After repeated incidents, I had to insist on a meeting with his mother at school. The same issues persisted until we returned to hybrid and then in-person classes.
Our district uses a hybrid model for schooling, which also helps when teachers are unavailable. Last year, when a math teacher was suddenly absent, the students could still participate in math lessons through a connection with a hybrid classroom, ensuring continuity in their education.
I enjoyed teaching high school online during COVID. I would teach briefly, then students worked on open-book assignments. This format reduced distractions and allowed shy students to participate more through chat, improving the overall learning environment.
@helon
Exactly, online teaching requires a different approach. It’s not for everyone, but it can be effective for both teachers and students if done right.
sign said:
@helon
Exactly, online teaching requires a different approach. It’s not for everyone, but it can be effective for both teachers and students if done right.
You’re right, it’s a different style. My kids have been in virtual schooling for various reasons. Our teachers are trained for online instruction, which makes a big difference. It’s not suitable for everyone, but it’s a viable option for those who know what to expect.
@helon
The ability to mute disruptive students and give personalized attention to those who wanted to learn made a huge difference. I saw students advance multiple grade levels in a year.
Many students who act out are reacting to instability at home. We saw this first-hand during online classes, where it was evident that some kids lacked any form of supervision.
Who’s going to fund all these robots? We don’t even have enough basic supplies.
DocFarrow said:
Who’s going to fund all these robots? We don’t even have enough basic supplies.
I’m surprised more people aren’t discussing the cost.
An online class could achieve the same goal without the need for expensive robots.