Covid has forced educators to take portions of their instruction, or all of their instruction, online. It’s quite an adjustment for all concerned. But imagine, and perhaps you’ve faced this, that a significant portion of your student’s home technology setup is inadequate, or non-existent. What do you?

In this episode, we’ll ask Jalen Wells this question. Jalen teaches history at Great Mills High School in Great Mills, Maryland. Many of his students have such technological obstacles. Covid has multiplied exponentially this digital divide. Jalen will talk about what his school has done and what he has done to help these students. 

And, I must exercise full disclosure. Jalen will become my son-in-law next summer. I’m so excited about the prospect of having another teacher in the family. And, a high school Social Studies teacher like I was to boot. I’m fascinated by his teaching journey and we talk about it a lot. As Jalen describes his struggles teaching students virtually in this interview, consider your students. What obstacles do they face? What adjustments can you make? Who can you look to for help? The past six months have presented unbelievable challenges to learning. Perhaps, this episode will inspire a solution that you can implement to help your students tomorrow. 

Episode Template:

The Problem:

Many students have significant obstacles to virtual learning. 

The Solution:

Identify who needs help and utilize resources to find solutions.

What you can do Tomorrow:

• Make a list of your students who face virtual learning obstacles.
• Create a roster of communication options.
• Form a problem-solving group of like-minded colleagues. Together, you can brainstorm solutions. 
• Investigate ways to leverage tools housed in your learning management system. 

Virtual learning has created challenges. Your solutions to these challenges has the potential to make you a better educator.

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