Challenges educators faced when adapting to online teaching platforms

A letter to my past teachers

Dear Role Models of my school life,

    The shift to online teaching may feel like foreign land in these quickly changing times, especially for those of us who have spent decades perfecting our craft in traditional classrooms. It's normal to feel overpowered by a lot of digital tools and platforms at our disposal when we set out on this adventure. But with a little direction and assistance, we can confidently explore this new surface and carry on offering our students a top-notch education.

    First and foremost, let's address the elephant in the room: technology. For many of us, the thought of navigating complex online teaching platforms may be intimidating. However, it's important to remember that we don't need to become experts overnight. Start by familiarizing yourself with one platform at a time, perhaps with the assistance of a tech-savvy colleague or a dedicated support team. Take it one step at a time, and don't hesitate to ask for help when needed.

    Next, let's talk about student engagement. It can be difficult to keep children's focus in a virtual environment. Think about using interactive teaching tools like surveys, tests, or multimedia presentations in your classes. Promote engagement through conversations and team building exercises, and don't be hesitant to use your imagination! Recall that engaging content doesn't always require eye-catching visuals or sophisticated animations. Occasionally, a straightforward, sincere discussion can have a profound impact (Admin,2023).

    Privacy and accessibility are other crucial factors to take into account when educating online. Make sure your resources are usable by all students, including those with disabilities, by conforming to recommended practices and making use of integrated accessibility features. Furthermore, educate yourself on data privacy laws and adopt the appropriate safety measures to safeguard private data. Prioritize your student's safety and wellbeing and go on the side of caution whenever in doubt.

    Lastly, remember that you're not alone in this journey. Lean on your colleagues for support, share your experiences and expertise, and don't hesitate to seek out professional development opportunities tailored to your needs. Together, we can navigate the challenges of online teaching and continue to inspire and empower our students to reach their fullest potential.

In solidarity,

~ Aleeka Smith

References

admin. (2023, April 21). Challenges Teachers Face When Teaching Online | 21K School. 21K School India. https://www.21kschool.com/in/blog/challenges-teachers-face-when-teaching-online/

‌ How to tackle top 10 challenges of educational technology in teaching. (n.d.). Www.linkedin.com. Retrieved March 23, 2024, from https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/how-tackle-top-10-challenges-educational-technology-teaching-jain#:~:text=Lack%20of%20digital%20literacy%20among