When I planned class, I only took into account the kiddos earning points for the work they'd do asynchronously. But I discovered that was an issue week one.
The kiddos pretty much keep their cameras off. And they have a mute button. So, I don't hear what's going on on their end. That can be a good thing. Horatio's niece visits him at least once a day during class time. (She's probably about 3-years-old.)
But, it's disastrous when I ask a student a question and they don't respond.
So, I instituted participation points, a.k.a. The Brandon Rule. They don't have to give me the right answer. They just have to respond when I call on them.
Why Brandon? Well, it's Brandon who has a tendency to not be there when I call on him. Funnily enough, since I instituted the points, Brandon answers when I call on him.
And extra added bonus: I informed the kiddos that texting during class time with off-topic messages (i.e. emojis) lost them a participation point per instance. I only had to deduct two points total (for two different students) before the off-topic texting stopped. Hooray!
(I say "off-topic" because there's one boy who refuses to turn on his microphone ever, but he will answer my questions via text. Not ideal, but good enough, so I'll take it.)
Hi Liz - you do need to juggle lots of things don't you - but well done for adjusting and being flexible. All the best - Hilary
ReplyDeleteBrilliant idea! Must be so hard to keep them engaged otherwise.
ReplyDeleteGreat idea! Yeah, when we had tried to do online at the end of last school year, my daughter had to turn off her camera and mute herself just to save bandwidth so the teacher could read a story to them. I could imagine there's going to be more problems heading into this new school year.
ReplyDeleteOh yes, it's going to be kind of a mess until people get accustomed to this.
DeleteI'm sure it's a challenge teaching an entire classroom of kids online! Good luck!
ReplyDeleteIt's different, that's for sure.
DeleteNice job adapting to the situation!
ReplyDeleteSounds like you've got this under control :)
ReplyDeleteThat sounds like a great way to handle the situation. Funny how Brandon is answering more now.
ReplyDeleteThat is a great way to keep them in line. I would never have thought of that
ReplyDeleteSometimes I have good ideas.
DeleteI hear stories like this from my teacher daughter.
ReplyDeleteI'm not surprised.
DeleteInteresting times for education, which I know is an understatement. So...does Brandon know the rule is named after him?
ReplyDeleteWell, I didn't call it The Brandon Rule to them. . . I just told them that they were getting participation points.
DeleteInteresting choices. You’re keeping them engaged
ReplyDeleteKinda, sorta.
DeleteSo you can't see them or hear them? How do you know if they are even there?
ReplyDeleteSounds like you're rolling with the punches very well!
ReplyDeleteI try.
DeleteYou're making do, and it's working. I don't know if you've heard this recently, but thank you for what you do!
ReplyDeleteI'm just a sub. It's the full time teachers that are really working their asses off.
DeleteOMG what a challenge this is for any teacher. I hope some learning continues, and if it does, it will be due to teachers who figure out the best angle to keep those kids engaged.
ReplyDeleteThat is great what you came up with! Have you shared that tip with other teachers? It is a brilliant one.
ReplyDeleteBetty
This going to be interesting school year...Here in my area the kids go two days a week and the other goes another two days during the week.
ReplyDeleteBrilliant solution. And it's good they clicked after only 2 deductions - would have been tough on you if they really hadn't followed the rules.
ReplyDelete