Leaders of schools from across North America convened to discuss their challenges and strategies to ensure quality teaching and learning during these hybrid and blended learning days.

They convened in a Catalyst-style session whereby participants worked in small groups to co-construct a shared output related to their challenges and strategies. Below represents a high-level synthesis of their combined output. A more complete detailed report will be released in the coming weeks.

Models/Approaches 

A variety of approaches are being adopted by schools:

• Synchronous
  • Teaching in-person with some students then repeating it again for remote learners.
  • Teaching in-person with some students in class and remote learners watching at the same time.
• Asynchronously
  • Students work at their own pace.
• Hybrid
  • Teaching in-person with groups of students occasionally alternating between in-person and remote (synchronously/asynchronously).

Technology/Infrastructure

• Schools are overwhelmed with supporting the many access, connectivity, and technological glitches that exist in their schools and student homes.
• Leaders are overwhelmed with the volume of companies contacting them with new product offerings and services.

Student Engagement 

• Some educators find it difficult to be creative in these new learning models and to engage/maintain the interest of their learners.
• Attendance issues or students “ghosting” requires parents to take a more active role at home.
• Creating rich, meaningful experiences is critical: 
  • Encouraging students to take more active roles during learning interactions
  • Leveraging pedagogy-driven technologies that promote active learning 
  • Pre-packaged kits for hands-on learning
  • Providing opportunities for smaller group interaction
  • Giving students voice and choice in their assigned tasks

Connections 

• Educators struggle to build relationships and trust
• Students value multiple opportunities to engage with their peers 

Learning Made Visibly

• Multiple opportunities need to be created for teachers to gain an understanding of how students are progressing. 
• Platforms that provide teachers with insight into student learning is key.

Developing New Skills

• Multiple opportunities and strategies to support teachers, parents, and learners as they navigate new technologies and platforms.
• Importance to instill confidence in educators’ instruction strategies so they truly know “they’ve got this!”
• Professional learning for teachers should address “how to” but also “why to” – pedagogy-informed use.
• “Technology is a tool, people make connections”.
• Opportunity to develop new skills in learners.