Accompanying the Youth Through Remote-Learning

With the recent rapid changes in our institutions due to the Coronavirus, it is important for us to remember that we are in this together. Let us continue to journey with the youth through this very important time. We believe that the best thing we can do for our students at this time is to add as much normalcy to their lives through our teaching practices while giving them time to relax and focus on self-care. To assist fellow educators, here are a few ideas to implement for both regular and remote-teaching.

For regular classrooms as well as for « synchronous » remote-teaching (online « real time » classes through virtual classrooms like Microsoft Teams, Skype, or Zoom), play a game of “Kahoot!” This is a fun way to engage our students whether in class or remotely. For my students’ first experience in our virtual classroom on Microsoft Teams, we played a game to review the Gospel of Mark. You can access it here – Gospel of Mark.

In a world of rising conflict where folks are fighting over groceries and other things due to the coronavirus, let us help students to stay focused on Jesus. Instead of focusing on fears that leave us afraid and reactive, let us respond as He would, as peacemakers (Matthew 5:9). I created a Powerpoint that includes these important lessons for students  here.

For “asynchronous” class meetings (students access the course materials online at a time of their choosing and interact with each other over a longer period of time), I have created a Powerpoint on Human Dignity where I included voice-overs on some slides to assist students with their remote-learning. We are experiencing a time where many have lost sight of the need of compassion. Let us walk with the excluded, among those include the elderly, those with autoimmune disorders, those with chronic diseases and respiratory diseases, those with cancer, those without work, and so many more. They need our compassion. Here is a link to the Powerpoint and corresponding assignment.

During these times of transition, we have the opportunity to look again at where our confidence lies. Let us put our trust in Him. “But blessed is the one who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in him.” Jeremiah 17:7