“Just Do This”: Tips for Teaching Hybrid Learning

Tips for teaching the hybrid learning model inside:

Just complete this COVID form;
Just check this list to see who is learning in-person (IL) and who is learning remotely (DL);
Just seat ILs alphabetically for contact tracing;
Just honor preferential seating for students with 504s and IEPs;
Just get an accurate lunch count;
Just connect the classroom speakers so the ILs can hear the DLs in the Meet;
Just turn down the volume on the computer and up on the remote so there isn’t feedback;
Just present slides in the Meet for DLs and slides in the room for ILs;
Just use a second Chromebook to run the slideshow so you can see DLs in full, but turn down the volume, mute the site, and mute yourself so there’s not an echo;
Just know that if you project slides for ILs, you can’t use the whiteboard for either group;
Just be aware that some students won’t be able to see the whiteboard over the two monitors;
Just log into the Meet to greet DLs when you’re all set;
Just stand still because you’re on the tripod for DLs;
Just take accurate attendance of kids in the Meet and in the seats;
Just lower the monitor(s) so ILs can see you;
Just monitor the chat;
Just track students who use the bathroom for contact tracing;
Just text the office if you need to use the bathroom;
Just pass out wipes before students leave (stay six feet apart);
Just grab some coffee in the office (donated by some nice person); oh, wait — you can’t drink it with a mask on while teaching seven straight periods.

Tips for teaching the hybrid model outside:

Just get a code for the building, so you don’t set off the alarm at 6:45 am;
Just know the Wi-Fi hotspot code for outdoor areas, which was sent in an email;
Just bring outside the rolling whiteboard and student whiteboards and cushions and wipes and sanitizer and markers and a tall desk and a Chromebook and a trash can;
Just have ILs bring chairs outside if you’re teaching in the parking lot;
Just don’t prop a door due to security reasons;
Just don’t work outside if there’s smoke from the fires;
Just supervise students so they stay 6 feet apart;
Just keep an eye on the DLs so they aren’t left out;
Just move closer to the building if the Wi-Fi kicks you out of the Meet;
Just remember DLs can’t see the physical whiteboard, and ILs can’t see the digital one;
Just use a microphone so ILs at the tables can hear you;
Just keep the speaker near the Chromebook so DLs can hear;
Just use Airpods so you can hear them (there may be a teacher discount somewhere);
Just repeat everything both groups say so they can hear each other;
Just wait until the cars and the crows and the copters pass if it’s noisy outside;

General guidelines for smooth learning:

Just return from lunch ten minutes early to usher in the next cohort;
Just study these maps to know where each cohort enters and exits;
Just assign projects to get kids off screens;
Just remember you can’t touch projects;
Just teach analog-style and keep it personal;
Just let these kids have their cameras off;
Just keep conversations under 10 minutes with colleagues;
Just collaborate more;
Just post work ahead of time for kids on vacations;
Just be aware the district doesn’t have substitutes;
Just notify parents if DL kids are in a pool or cuddled up with pod-mates;
Just return all student and parent emails within 24 hours;
Just let a practicum student watch your class and then debrief;
Just roll a die to see which administrator you should email if you need something (they all do everything now);
Just take this course to learn some new tool;
Just wear an N95 mask so you don’t get sick;
Just create two weeks of lesson plans in case you get sick;
Just take a COVID test every few days;
Just comment on work from 120 students when you get home… after you say hello to your own children and cook dinner;
Just post tomorrow’s lesson by 8:00 am; keep the rigor!
Just try not to worry — have you practiced mindfulness today?
Just email somebody if you need something.
Just breathe. It’ll be fine.

Oh, wait… COVID exposure. Nevermind, in-person classes are canceled this week.

by Susie Weber