The shift to remote and/or hybrid teaching during the 2020-21 school year resulted in many educators adapting their teaching practice in order to accommodate the swift change to their students' learning structures. Now that this school year is coming to a close, it is the perfect time to reflect on the teaching practices, engagement strategies, and technology tools that we may decide to continue utilizing in the years to come in order to enhance instruction in the field of mathematics.
Before the COVID-19 pandemic, my math students at Red Bank High School in Chattanooga, TN, used technology on a somewhat regular basis through online practice and formative assessments. It should be noted that our school district has a 1 to 1 student to Chromebook ratio and also, that community partners have made access to the Internet more accessible through hotspots and reduced-cost programs. During our shift to all virtual learning and the eventual transition to hybrid learning, my utilization of technology has and continues to grow exponentially as I enhance my mathematics instruction. This school year has been filled with a multitude of difficulties and hardships. Educators continue to experience the opportunities and challenges that come with facilitating mathematics instruction in a digital classroom; that is why, as we start to intentionally plan for the next school year, ASSISTments can be an effective tool to help students and teachers monitor understanding and learning.
The following are opportunities and challenges to consider for your 2021/22 digital classroom:
Opportunities in the Digital Classroom:
Challenges in the Digital Classroom:
As many schools and districts transition back to “normal” operations, the lessons learned and innovative teaching practices that were utilized should not be squandered or reverted. Educators should continue to use tech tools, such as ASSISTments, to foster mathematical learning in their students.
ASSISTments is here to help teachers meet the needs of all students. Teachers can ensure that they are leveraging ASSISTments to support an equitable and inclusive classroom environment by implementing our recommendations.
Continue ReadingASSISTments teacher, Dawn Peterson reflects on what she does to prepare her students for end of the year testing. Learn how she integrates test preparation without compromising her regular classroom routine.
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