Planning for Virtual Teaching & Learning
Virtual Teaching and Learning Approaches
Virtual Learning, Different approaches benefit different learners
Everyone learns differently, and just like classroom learning, virtual learning allows for different types of instruction. Here are the benefits of asynchronous and synchronous learning.
Asynchronous
- Students learning at their own pace through videos, projects, etc.
- Students can learn and review at their own pace.
- Flexibility for students learning in different time zones.
- Teachers can include a range of student paced learning tools and give feedback accordingly.
- Less chance for technical difficulties infringing on lessons.
Synchronous
- Online classes learning together through video conferencing.
- Allows students to feel connected to one another during a class.
- Teachers can provide feedback and verification on the spot.
- Students follow along with the teacher and ask questions in real time.
- Similar to the school schedule so students have a routine.
- Teachers may use synchronous and asynchronous at different times depending on the learning outcomes targeted. It’s important to remember that they are both valuable approaches to learning.
Virtual learning utilizes two modalities of online learning – asynchronous and synchronous learning. Asynchronous learning means that the teacher is in control of students’ pacing and completing assignments or activities. The student is able to access the content at any time. Synchronous learning means that the student is live with the teacher at a specific time. Types of synchronous online learning could include video conferencing, teleconferencing, live chatting, and live-streaming.
Attribution: Tanya LeClair. "Virtual Learning: Different Approaches Benefit Different Learners." https://twitter.com/tanyaleclair
Tips for Teaching and Learning Online
Online teaching requires different skills and approaches for teachers. These resources will help teachers with guidance for teaching and learning online. In order to provide effective and high-quality instruction, teachers should consider using a variety of technologies and digital learning strategies in their instructional model and delivery.
Attribution: Andrew Salcido and Jessica Cole. “Best Practices for Teaching Online.” TeachOnline, 22 Aug. 2019, teachonline.asu.edu/2018/09/best-practices-for-teaching-online/
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Modalities for Virtual & Hybrid Teaching Planning
Images used with permission from the Christensen Institute. Staker, H., & Horn, M. B. (2012). Classifying K-12 blended learning. Christensen Institute.
Fully Virtual
A student who is considered fully virtual means that all classes are completed online from home or another location, and the student is not required to attend any classes in a physical school building.
Station/Lab Rotations (Blended learning)
Students rotate through a teacher-led station, collaborative work, and independent online instruction within a class period. The online station may be in a computer lab or in a classroom utilizing one-to-one devices, or a bank of devices, where students complete assignments or instructional explorations at their own pace.
Flex Model (Blended learning)
A ‘Flex’ model uses a LMS to deliver instructional content and activities. Student learning can be completed at their own pace and choice in online activities allows for differentiation. Student learning is supported by face-to-face instruction that is varied based on data. Teachers use flexible grouping to provide differentiated activities.
Flipped Classroom (Blended learning)
In ‘Flipped’ classrooms, students use online instructional resources that have been assigned through a LMS. Teachers support online learning with face-to-face instruction. The face-to-face time is structured to include activities, practice with feedback, and collaborative tasks/projects.
Samples of Blended Learning
- 3 Secrets to Successful Station Rotation (Station Rotation)
- Are Computer Labs a Thing of the Past? Not so Fast (Lab Rotation)
- How To Customize Learning With Individual Rotation (Individual Rotation)
- Students Harness The Skill Of Preparedness Through Blended Learning (Flipped Classroom)
- 3 Ways to do a Flex Model (Flex Model)
- Tackling Access To International Baccalaureate Courses With Blended Learning (Al a Carte Model)
- Is The Enriched Virtual Blended-Learning Model The Future Of High School? (Enriched Virtual Model)
- Proof points: Blended learning success in school districts-This is a PDF document.(Mackey)
Hybrid Instruction & Supports for Teachers
The hybrid model meshes the familiarity of established teacher directed instructional models with openness for additional student independence with context specific projects that apply content to the outside world. Students interact with carefully curated assignments to refine content mastery. They then work with their teachers and each other to periodically showcase learning in non-traditional and innovative ways. Educators who choose the hybrid model:
- leverage their experience and skill as teachers to create innovative ways to explore prior and possibly uncovered content using multiple formats and/or platforms;
- maximize learning gains via a combination of established essential knowledge and innovative challenges aligned to Virginia’s 5 C’s; and
- provide ongoing feedback to students.
Elementary Resources and Instructional Model Samples
Secondary Resources and Instructional Model Samples
Digital Citizenship for Students
Students should be aware of the importance of digital citizenship and consider the following.
- Review the school division’s Acceptable Use Policy.
- Use appropriate language when speaking or writing; no profanity, obscenities, sexually explicit material, or expressions of bigotry, racism, and/or hate.
- Exhibit behaviors that do not intimidate, bully, harass, or embarrass; consider the perspective of others when communicating.
- Maintain individual anonymity and privacy and do not reveal personal addresses, phone numbers, social networking identities, or other personal information including passwords; do not use the accounts of others or trespass in the work, fles, or folders of others.
- Maintain a balance between online and offline time.
- Use reliable and credible sources; be mindful of all copyright and Fair Use guidelines.
The proposed 2020 Digital Learning Integration Standards of Learning provide comprehensive standards statements. Additional components (learning priorities and performance indicators) are provided to assist in local implementation. Digital learning has the potential to empower students as learners by improving their functional literacy as digital citizens capable of constructing knowledge, designing innovative works, thinking computationally, creatively communicating, and collaborating with others locally, regionally, and globally.
Resources for Teachers
- The Virginia Department of Education has provided a guide entitled Recover, Redesign, Restart that includes key considerations and guidance on serving students equitably while being mindful of their safety and success. Additional resources are provided to help educators with the implementation of blended and virtual learning.
- Teaching Digitally: A Free Resource Guide to help any K-12 Educator
Virtual & Co-teaching
Following are a few resources to assist co-teaching teams in thinking about ways to implement strategies for effective virtual co-teaching. By no means will they encompass all the creative approaches co-teaching teams are utilizing. Some resources to consider include:
- Practical Access Podcasts – Drs. Lisa Dieker and Rebecca Hines
- 3 Ways to Use Video Conferencing with Students Learning Remotely –This website does not specifically address co-teaching virtually, but it does address how to develop small group instruction and discussion through video conferencing (similar to parallel and station teaching). It also shares ideas for conferencing with students, which could be one way special educators could provide accommodations.
- TtacOnline – Community sharing resources to educate students with disabilities
Resources for Parents & Families
To find additional information regarding virtual learning, the VDOE has providUed additional resources in the Student and Family Virtual Learning Companion-This is a PDF document. document.
Visit COVID-19 & Virginia Public Schools for additional resources and information.