Teaching remotely

Alqua · 21-04-2020 6:21pm

Brinley Prehistoric Rummy wrote: »

Any specific ideas of how to do this on ipad? Thanks.

You might be able to download a 'video compressor' app from the app store? I was able to get one on my phone (android) to shrink the videos. Could be tedious if you've a lot of videos, but it worked.

am_zarathustra · 21-04-2020 6:37pm

Hi all. I was having exactly the same problem with LC HL maths, massive videos...with full explainations could be tipping 40 minutes for a question! I am pretty good with tech so went looking at solutions, I'd recommend Microsoft Stream, it's easy to use, it uploads very quickly, if you are teaching multiple classes you can add videos to multiple channels.

It looks very similar to YouTube and streams for the kids in a similar way. They can comment and you can see how many people have viewed it. I downloaded the app on my phone and have a little grip suspended above my desk (a mobile arm and a nice amount of duct tape), they can hear me and watch me do the maths. Have whiteboard too! It's very handy. Maybe 4-5 minutes to upload and process a half an hour video. The other benefit is you simply share a URL, they can just see the video then.

For those using Teams, as I am, you can add a channel (I have three for some classes) with the videos in them. My 6th years wanted the ones I was making for 5th year just to have a watch for revision.

I'm happy to answer any questions or explain how to use it to anyone, no point us all running through all the apps and figuring this stuff out, we've enough to be doing ðŸ‘

acequion · 23-04-2020 4:45pm

This is a copy and paste of a question I posted on the wrong thread as I didn't know this one existed. Sorry mods, mea culpa. Would love some feedback,thanks.

I've a question here on methodology if any of ye could shed some light?

I teach LC English and at the moment we're revising the Shakespeare play. If we were in class I'd be giving them some aspect to revise each night or an exam question to plan and next day in class they would work on that aspect in groups, generally streamlined by me in terms of specific questions to focus on.They'reid stream hons group that need spoon feeding and are very shy and reserved in discussions.

Ok, so here we are trying to do this online. I still set aspects to revise, release a set of questions as usual, get them to post photos of their work and then give a pre recorded video lesson /lecture on that aspect. Sometimes using screencastify, sometimes just a plain video.

Could /should that work be done by live video? Is there any way I could have them working in small groups via live video? Or is that just too difficult to manage? Especially given that they're not at all vocal.

Anyone used to my posts will know that I'm all about decent working conditions for the teacher and not vying to be teacher of the year. But if someone knows a more efficient, more interesting way to do this type of work that is also manageable, I'd love to hear it.

Thanks guys.

History Queen · 23-04-2020 5:09pm

acequion wrote: »

This is a copy and paste of a question I posted on the wrong thread as I didn't know this one existed. Sorry mods, mea culpa. Would love some feedback,thanks.

Hey, I'm an English teacherb ut I haven't done anything like that before. Does it have to be via video? I've had students combine to do group work on shared documents and on padlet. You could set up a dedicated padlet board for them?the class notebook on Microsoft teams might work but I haven't used it.

jayo76 · 23-04-2020 6:17pm

What have engagement rates from students and classes been like for people this week? Before Easter I had 60-70%ish across 1st, 2nd and 3rd year. This week its more like 40-50% return on work so far.

At 6th year students are working more on finishing up their History RSR'S so its harder to guage but most are engaging.

Random sample · 23-04-2020 6:21pm

jayo76 wrote: »

What have engagement rates from students and classes been like for people this week? Before Easter I had 60-70%ish across 1st, 2nd and 3rd year. This week its more like 40-50% return on work so far.

At 6th year students are working more on finishing up their History RSR'S so its harder to guage but most are engaging.

Similar here. Definitely slower this week than before Easter.

Management have started asking questions now about how we can engage them more and asking us what we think will engage them more and to share ideas....

So far, I’ve discovered that easy tasks are engaging them more than difficult ones, and if there’s any reading involved they won’t do it. Now, to find the management speak for that without suggesting they are being lazy.

acequion · 23-04-2020 8:53pm

History Queen wrote: »

Hey, I'm an English teacherb ut I haven't done anything like that before. Does it have to be via video? I've had students combine to do group work on shared documents and on padlet. You could set up a dedicated padlet board for them?the class notebook on Microsoft teams might work but I haven't used it.

I've never heard of padlet but it sounds interesting, could you tell me more? Thanks a lot. :)Our platform is Google so not sure if a shared feature exists. And no it doesn't have to be via video and as I explained they're a reserved bunch. And they are getting the work done but it would be nice to mix it up a bit so that's why I'm anxious to know more and experiment more. This is an excellent thread, looking forward to reading through it.

On a related but side note I gave my 5th French an assignment to write their views on online learning. I'd taught them all the relevant vocab and they're a very bright bunch and the replies were interesting. Most are quite enjoying it with some saying they like working at their own pace without the constant structuring of school. And their work since the closure is excellent. The silver lining of this whole thing might be the creation of a generation of capable independent learners.

doc_17 · 23-04-2020 8:57pm

jayo76 wrote: »

What have engagement rates from students and classes been like for people this week? Before Easter I had 60-70%ish across 1st, 2nd and 3rd year. This week its more like 40-50% return on work so far.
H
At 6th year students are working more on finishing up their History RSR'S so its harder to guage but most are engaging.

Engagement is still the same or better with us as we sent out a report at Easter letting parents know what they at.

History Queen · 23-04-2020 9:17pm

acequion wrote: »

I've never heard of padlet but it sounds interesting, could you tell me more? Thanks a lot. :)Our platform is Google so not sure if a shared feature exists. And no it doesn't have to be via video and as I explained they're a reserved bunch. And they are getting the work done but it would be nice to mix it up a bit so that's why I'm anxious to know more and experiment more. This is an excellent thread, looking forward to reading through it.

On a related but side note I gave my 5th French an assignment to write their views on online learning. I'd taught them all the relevant vocab and they're a very bright bunch and the replies were interesting. Most are quite enjoying it with some saying they like working at their own pace without the constant structuring of school. And their work since the closure is excellent. The silver lining of this whole thing might be the creation of a generation of capable independent learners.

Look at this video on YouTube it givesa pretty good outline of some of Padlet's functionality

https://youtu.be/X3Uf6pmpiG8

It's very easy for both students and teachers to use andvery phone friendly (important for my students as many are accessing online resources via smartphones)

mirrorwall14 · 23-04-2020 10:55pm

jayo76 wrote: »

What have engagement rates from students and classes been like for people this week? Before Easter I had 60-70%ish across 1st, 2nd and 3rd year. This week its more like 40-50% return on work so far.

At 6th year students are working more on finishing up their History RSR'S so its harder to guage but most are engaging.

Engagement has dropped except for first and sixth years (now I’ve no second years). Maths is better than music right now anyways

History Queen · 23-04-2020 11:00pm

I asked on another thread about ideas for engaging students.

My 6th years are the worst, weakish OL group with no love for the subject but would always work awayin class, homework would be donebut not a lot of effort put in. They're probably not helped by the fact that we have the course finished and now that exams are further away

1st and 2nd years doing well for the most part but my third years are noticably in decline sinve Easter too. (Don't have 5th years) TYs are hit and miss.

dory · 24-04-2020 12:11am

I set up Quizlet classes this week. Thought it would be a fun way to get them to learn vocab. Less than half have signed up. I've tried setting Google classroom assignments but that only helped a little.

I don't know how we'll keep doing for another 6 weeks if they're on a downward trajectory. My 6th years have a live class next week but I'm expected 2/3 out of 16 to show up.

mtoutlemonde · 24-04-2020 1:15am

History Queen wrote: »

I asked on another thread about ideas for engaging students.

My 6th years are the worst, weakish OL group with no love for the subject but would always work awayin class, homework would be donebut not a lot of effort put in. They're probably not helped by the fact that we have the course finished and now that exams are further away

1st and 2nd years doing well for the most part but my third years are noticably in decline sinve Easter too. (Don't have 5th years) TYs are hit and miss.

I only had a quick look at it - edpuzzle - YouTube videos but you put questions throughout - that's my understanding of it.

For the language teachers - duolingo for schools allows you set a topic on whatever topic you're doing. I only set this up yesterday so not much engagement (except myself

)

Anyone know how to change a pdf into a form for free? I used Google slides but result wasn't what I wanted.

Alex86Eire · 24-04-2020 1:05pm

I record a video lesson and attach an assignment to it. The kids have to watch the video, take down their notes/examples etc before attempting the assignment. It seems to engage them a lot more than just uploading an exam paper question and asking them to do it.
My 3rd years have definitely declined since Easter, I had to chase a few this week.
I've 3 kids in a weak 6th year OL group that I've never seen!

mtoutlemonde · 24-04-2020 3:49pm

Alex86Eire wrote: »

I record a video lesson and attach an assignment to it. The kids have to watch the video, take down their notes/examples etc before attempting the assignment. It seems to engage them a lot more than just uploading an exam paper question and asking them to do it.
My 3rd years have definitely declined since Easter, I had to chase a few this week.
I've 3 kids in a weak 6th year OL group that I've never seen!

I hope you remembered social distancing - sorry I couldn't resist

TheValeyard · 27-04-2020 10:47am

We all got emails from management this morning telling us to contact parents if students are not attending online classes.

It makes me angry. I'm doing my best to provide live classes, assignments and teach as best I can while minding my own kids.

I do not have time to be contacting a load of parents who should know the story at this stage.

/rant over.

rainbowtrout · 27-04-2020 11:31am

TheValeyard wrote: »

We all got emails from management this morning telling us to contact parents if students are not attending online classes.

It makes me angry. I'm doing my best to provide live classes, assignments and teach as best I can while minding my own kids.

I do not have time to be contacting a load of parents who should know the story at this stage.

/rant over.

That's ridiculous, it's not your job to get the kids out of bed and on to the laptop.

doc_17 · 27-04-2020 12:20pm

TheValeyard wrote: »

We all got emails from management this morning telling us to contact parents if students are not attending online classes.

It makes me angry. I'm doing my best to provide live classes, assignments and teach as best I can while minding my own kids.

I do not have time to be contacting a load of parents who should know the story at this stage.

/rant over.

Not your job.com

The management seem to be taking the Homer Simpson approach of “can’t someone else do it”

Treppen · 27-04-2020 1:31pm

doc_17 wrote: »

Not your job.com

The management seem to be taking the Homer Simpson approach of “can’t someone else do it”

Ha, I think our management are fielding calls from irate parents giving out because their own kids aren't engaging... And what were we going to do about getting them engaged :pac:

Increasingly you'll start to see more and more requests from above asking you who's not engaging and to what extent.... Not too sure how I feel about this extra paperwork, which will result in little success.

ethical · 27-04-2020 2:03pm

Some so called managers arent doing a feckin thing!
Many do not have classes to teach.
They are annoying teachers because they have to show ,at their weekly meeting,that they did something the previous week!
This is the reality and if you think its any different you are living in a false world!

dory · 27-04-2020 3:47pm

Absolutely not the teachers job to be getting in touch with parents!! And what, ring them from your own mobile so they'd have your number? No way. We're giving names to the office. Makes more sense for principal/deputy principal to do it. They can collect names and then say Mary isn't engaging in 7 subjects, rather than parents getting 7 phone calls.

TheValeyard · 27-04-2020 3:50pm

Well, zoom didn't go to well for the Institute today, shocking stuff

Millem · 27-04-2020 4:18pm

rainbowtrout wrote: »

That's ridiculous, it's not your job to get the kids out of bed and on to the laptop.

We were told the same...email parents and the students

derb12 · 27-04-2020 4:38pm

TheValeyard wrote: »

Well, zoom didn't go to well for the Institute today, shocking stuff

What happened?

deiseindublin · 27-04-2020 5:04pm

TheValeyard wrote: »

Well, zoom didn't go to well for the Institute today, shocking stuff

Curiosity is killing me?

Random sample · 27-04-2020 5:13pm

We had to collate lists of students not working last week for management. Even that was enough work for me, without having to contact them myself.

As said above, much easier for management to do it. They can tell the parents which platforms and which subjects the child is not engaging with all in one phone call. I wouldn’t like to be the 9th teacher ringing some of them!

TheValeyard · 27-04-2020 5:33pm

Online class, someone from other part of the world logged in, pulled out a gun waved it around and put it in his mouth. Started shouting abuse at people. Class was abruptly ended.

km79 · 27-04-2020 5:40pm

TheValeyard wrote: »

Online class, someone from other part of the world logged in, pulled out a gun waved it around and put it in his mouth. Started shouting abuse at people. Class was abruptly ended.

In your class?

Postgrad10 · 27-04-2020 6:51pm

There’s been instances were strangers hacked in to zoom classes and weren’t part of the class.

bobbyss · 27-04-2020 8:07pm

[QUI OTE=TheValeyard;113284082]We all got emails from management this morning telling us to contact parents if students are not attending online classes.

It makes me angry. I'm doing my best to provide live classes, assignments and teach as best I can while minding my own kids.

I do not have time to be contacting a load of parents who should know the story at this stage.

/rant over.[/QUOTE]

I find that most annoying. It's the last thing you need to be doing. Is there no way for teachers to inform management of who is attending and who is not and let management take it from there?

You could have a situation where a number of teachers are contacting the same parents. And that could be counter productive.

How you are supposed to contact them?

History Queen · 27-04-2020 8:26pm

bobbyss wrote: »

[QUI OTE=TheValeyard;113284082]We all got emails from management this morning telling us to contact parents if students are not attending online classes.

It makes me angry. I'm doing my best to provide live classes, assignments and teach as best I can while minding my own kids.

I do not have time to be contacting a load of parents who should know the story at this stage.

/rant over.

I find that most annoying. It's the last thing you need to be doing. Is there no way for teachers to inform management of who is attending and who is not and let management take it from there?

You could have a situation where a number of teachers are contacting the same parents. And that could be counter productive.

How you are supposed to contact them?[/quote]

We were using vsware to track student engagement and assignment submission and management asked us to stop as parents were ringing complaining about all the notes on vsware. We didn't give notes where we were aware of access/IT issues/ personal circumstances etc. but still we had to stop. Now we go through yearheads who ring home. Huge amount of extra work for them. And it is less transparent who is and isn't working.

solerina · 27-04-2020 8:47pm

TheValeyard wrote: »

We all got emails from management this morning telling us to contact parents if students are not attending online classes.

It makes me angry. I'm doing my best to provide live classes, assignments and teach as best I can while minding my own kids.

I do not have time to be contacting a load of parents who should know the story at this stage.

/rant over.

You should write your own email saying it’s your job to teach the class it’s managements job to check on attendance, let them email/phone the parents. No way I am contacting parents in the present climate, we have no idea what’s happening in any students home life right now.

TheValeyard · 27-04-2020 9:56pm

km79 wrote: »

In your class?

No, happened in a school in Dublin

r93kaey5p2izun · 27-04-2020 10:17pm

TheValeyard wrote: »

No, happened in a school in Dublin

Was the person who did that a student of the class? Or was it a case of hacking or poor security? I believe you can use a waiting room feature now on Zoom so even people with the link have to be accepted to the meeting by the host.

wirelessdude01 · 27-04-2020 10:21pm

Brinley Prehistoric Rummy wrote: »

Was the person who did that a student of the class? Or was it a case of hacking or poor security? I believe you can use a waiting room feature now on Zoom so even people with the link have to be accepted to the meeting by the host.

That's what is the procedure when we join our staff meetings.

TheValeyard · 27-04-2020 10:24pm

Brinley Prehistoric Rummy wrote: »

Was the person who did that a student of the class? Or was it a case of hacking or poor security? I believe you can use a waiting room feature now on Zoom so even people with the link have to be accepted to the meeting by the host.

Complete stranger it seems, probably poor security. But havent heard hacking or a poor setup, be interested to find out.

Bobtheman · 28-04-2020 6:04pm

We have been advised with child protection not to use Zoom or Skype. If we need to talk to kids-call the parents and ask to speak to the Child.

TheValeyard · 30-04-2020 6:43am

Bobtheman wrote: »

We have been advised with child protection not to use Zoom or Skype. If we need to talk to kids-call the parents and ask to speak to the Child.

Who advised that? Not even teams or Google classroom?

Dickie10 · 02-05-2020 9:40pm

im just using email, its history so easy enough. keeping it as simple as we can is the only way to mind everyones wellbeing. i use a video to narrate over the notes once a week or explain the process of answering exam question to 5th years. Please teachers do not be under pressure to use IT your not comfortable with. if email is working thats great stick to it. Any principal putting pressure on teachers to use X,Y or Z , new fangled IT wants to go and get themselves a life.

the students who will be there tuned into zoom or whatever it is will still be the ones to have their work in on bang on deadline by email. the ones you dont here dickiebird from will not be there for zoom either. Im 36 and ok with tech to a degree but i think keep it simple and do what works for you is my advice.

Teaching remotely

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