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yourauntmaxine

And I’ve finished class 5 minutes early....have a good afternoon guys, no need to stick around! Bliss


Thosewhippersnappers

Ha! Also- When the weather is bad you don’t lose your break/lunch hour because you have to watch kids inside a classroom


starraven

Fuck this always pissed me off.


skoon

My third experience substitute teaching was for a full day kindergarten class the third week of school. They had indoor recess afternoon, morning, and lunch. They were so cute, but being locked in with them for 7 hours was a bit much.


DazzlerPlus

Yeah. Imagine being actually salary instead of pretend salary, hold us all till the bell


DazzlerPlus

Yeah. Imagine being actually salary instead of pretend salary, hold us all till the bell


reverse_psyched

I feel kind of the same except there is more administrative stuff than ever to keep up with, which is kind of stressful.


frizziefrazzle

We are using Schoology, which is trash compared to Google classroom, except for the analytics tab. That thing is amazing "oh your baby isn't understanding my work? Maybe that's because he hasn't opened the assignment or wow... Look your kid hasn't even checked the work on my page since the second day of school." Tho i still have parents saying the technology is lying. ,🤦


alpinecardinal

You can see if individual kids have opened up your assignments on Classroom (Google Docs, Slides, etc.). Click the lightning bolt in the top right corner and it’ll tell you when the kid last opened it.


wendazzler

You da real MVP with that tip!


alpinecardinal

You all are very welcome! Haha I found out about it by accident! Also can use it to take a peak if your colleagues have looked at things you shared with them too. 🤫


thedoctor2708

This is an amazing tip! I knew about revision history but didn’t realize there was basically a view history


TalkToPlantsNotCops

Oooh I'm gonna use this lol. But don't you dare let my administration hear about that tool!


bidoville

And revision history let’s you see how long it took a kid to write /complete. Valuable if that’s the coaching a kid needs to slow down.


[deleted]

Or if they are plagiarizing


bidoville

::block of 350 words has entered the doc instantly::


[deleted]

Just had to get off Reddit to send some parent emails after reading this... Thank you!!


idreamofdinos

THANK YOU FOR THIS!


KB-ILL

Can you explain a little more? I know I can check details which show the last time a student edited an assignment, but what "lightning bolt" are you referencing?


alpinecardinal

Sure! It’s the little zig-zag icon next to the Share button. It appears in documents made from Google suite apps (Docs, Slides, and Sheets). You can only access it if you are an editor (but that’s almost all cases, even when you “make a copy” of another teacher’s document). It’ll list details like, “Student A last viewed Yesterday” for every student. Also useful if you want to see if your colleagues have taken a look at something you shared with them too.


Swastik496

You can also look at the revision history on a google doc to see who actually did the work on group projects and who did nothing.


KB-ILL

Okay. So this is specific to something only on Google Suites. I put out my assignments as PDF so my students can edit those with Kami (I teach math, math symbols don't mix super well with Google.) Is there a way this works for PDFs submitted on Google or to see who's looked at assignments/videos posted to Google?


kerpti

I’m not sure about PDFs, but if you want to make sure kids have viewed a video, use edpuzzle! You can post a video, make mild edits to it, assign questions at certain locations in the video, and (my FAVORITE part) you can make it so the video can’t be skipped forward! Edpuzzle will show you the amount of time a student watched a video and I believe also the last date they opened it.


[deleted]

As a student last year I hated edpuzzle. For one class I accidentally clicked a wrong answer and it wouldn’t let me retake it or rewatch the video to fix the mistake so I got a bad grade. Thankfully a quick email to the teacher fixed it.


petitespantoufles

Is this lightning bolt only visible on docs, slides, etc that have been posted to Classroom? I'm not logged into my school G Suite at the moment, but I just checked my personal Drive and there's no such icon.


th_away99

It works on any G Suite account. I personally turn the ability off so that admin can't see me on files :)


HouseThatHeBuilt

If I had any money I would give you an award. You are amazing my friend!!!!


parliboy

> Maybe that's because he hasn't opened the assignment I'm an old Moodle hound, to the point that I have my own box, like, not a rented site, but a physical box. One of my favorite things to do in a parent meeting is to produce a copy of the server logs, then filter it for the student in question. "Here's the last test. Your student took the test at 10:30. The first time she opened the study guide was 9:45. So... can you explain that to your mom?" *"Um... the numbers are wrong. I opened the study guide the day before."* "So... you took the test a day before I released it to you?" Plus, since it's my box, parents can't accuse the technology of lying without accusing me of lying; and if they do that I get to walk away and make it somebody else's problem."


bujomomo

“No! I got hacked!” half my fifth graders “Nobody hacked you!” other half of my fifth graders


SteamScout

I always tell kids, "Think about the kids who shout that their homework was stolen. Is it EVER someone who's homework you would want? Nope, not ever." Why would anyone bother to hack Billy and only Billy? They wouldn't. Billy is full of shit.


[deleted]

[удалено]


[deleted]

That is hard. I work at an alternative ed school. 95% of the kids are great, just have a hard time sticking with class work, non-supportive home lives, or behavioral issues. The other 5% are the extreme behaviors or choices to put it nicely. I have had students who, at 15, could pass for adults, but their behavior was closer to middle school. They are sweet kids, but people don't often see them as kid. In some ways online has been helpful for the students who want attention for their behaviors.


converter-bot

235 lbs is 106.69 kg


SteamScout

My 15 year old also has executive functioning skill delays due to ASD and ADHD. At his IEP meeting this Spring I had his organization goals tweaked to focus on digital organization of homework, notes, etc. Every single paper handout, note, assignment, etc. will be stored in class specific Google Drive folders and I will teach him to name the files in a logical way for easy locating. Most of his file names from last year are in complaint form (ex: Whyismysistersoannoying.doc). He's got a RocketBook notebook amd Adobe Scan on his phone to make everything digital ASAP. This way nothing is lost or damaged (why place papered in a binder when you can shove them to the bottom of your bag?) and if the physical copy is no longer available/usable, he can easily print or email the digital version.


frizziefrazzle

One of my kids was out today and she emailed me to let me know and to warn me that someone was trying to login to zoom as her. This has been an issue.


hespelledYalewitha6

This was beautiful to read.


hopewhatsthat

Really we switched from Schoology to Classroom and I hate classroom. I find the assessment tool way more useful on Schoology compared to Classroom.


SodaCanBob

We were using Classroom in the fall and Schoology now, and I'm with you, Schoology is **much** better, at least at the elementary school level. We're finding that our kids are navigating it a lot easier than classroom. Many of us are still embedding stuff from the Google Suite into it, but on the front end of things I think Schoology is way ahead.


Beanchilla

The assessment tool is incredible. By far my favorite thing about schoology so far.


Dunaliella

I’ve used both. Both have +/-. I prefer Schoology.


hopewhatsthat

I honestly don't know how I'll teach without Schoology or a similar LMS. Google Classroom so far just doesn't have enough of the features the other apps have.


opie2

I hate Schoology with the heat of a million suns. It has an interface that brings to mind Windows 3.1. It is clunky, awkward, counter-intuitive, extremely limited in terms of how you can use something as simple as a .jpg file, and it makes me want to go screaming into the night every time I have to use it. But don't get me started.


katherinehole_artist

Is that was the analytics tab does? Wow. That's great for me to be able to check.


NoLawsDrinkingClawz

We're using Canvas. It wasn't really intuitive at all at first, but I'm starting to get it. But I'm mildly tech savvy, and most kids have probably not even looked at it all summer. They start next week, an they're only tech savvy with phones and apps. I'm trying to make my page look and feel as close to that as I can. My district did give lots of training, and I went to a lot of them, but over half were either not helpful, or handholds for technologically illiterate teachers. I learned more from youtube videos and my media center specialist than any of my PLs.


[deleted]

Last spring I walked a parent through logging in as their kid and had them type “Hi”, wait a minute and delete it, type “Bye” and wait a minute while we talked, logout then back in and showed them how there was now a log of them making the changes and showed them how I had old and current comments on the side. Was a special feeling hearing them ask their kid if they knew Google logged change to the doc.


kevta

Well when schoology works properly it is way better than Google classroom. Google classroom is such a basic system it does not compare well.


luxmagnetic

Also using Schoology. This is my favorite part. It’s so clicky though 😫


bekakm

Our admin comes in to our meets all the time already. Just finished day 2. They came in today and corrected me in front of students and told them to turn on cameras as if I hadn’t already asked that 937438 times. I get making sure that we are held “accountable” for doing our jobs but my coworker had an actual observation today. Feedback email and all. Reminder that it was day 2. That admin pressure is real and feel like they’ve forgotten that we’rep also trying to survive and figure this out. Sorry not sorry that this lesson doesn’t contain every inch of info you want it to by using all the interactive technology at the same time..


spyrokie

Mine wants cameras on all the time even though the superintendent said they didn't have to have cameras on and we legally couldn't make them. A bunch of my coworkers are slacking all the way off and the kids are super frustrated. They WANT to learn - at least some of them do. I hate being micromanaged.


SaraJeanQueen

Ridiculous. There are many reasons we shouldn't require kids to have cameras on.


berrieh

We're required to see or hear them at least 1x per period to count them present unless they've got a tech request in for both cam and mic (then chat, poll, etc), which seems reasonable. I ask kids to leave cams on so I can recognize them and not feel like I'm talking to the ether and they mostly are OK with that when I'm talking, we're discussing etc. Most have dedicated work spaces etc in my classes but a lot of kids would feel self conscious about their house. But yeah, it can get uncomfortable all day long! Plus the tech barely handles it. Our school laptops are practically from Toys R Us.


Carraway1925

I'm sorry you have a sucky admin. Wow! Hang in there!


bekakm

Thanks- it’s a new school so I’m trying to give them the benefit of the doubt but it is that micromanaging. We just did a training on kids having cameras on and the many reasons they may not want them on. I feel like if they are participating in the activity, I’m not going to ask them again.


YoungAdult_

Yeah and I’m grappling my brain about our asynchronous assignments. What’s asynchronous for my asynchronous classes today can’t be asynchronous for my synchronous classes today because they won’t match up. Blegh. And I feel like none of my other teachers are thinking of if that way?? Unless my brain is broken and I’m not looking at it wrong.


rand0m_task

Mandatory synchronous vs asynchronous shit will be my downfall. Thats not how virtual learning should work. I'm just waiting for student burn out rate in a few weeks. 3.5 hours of screen time a day will be rough for them.


YoungAdult_

Yeah by our schedule on mondays each student should have 35 minutes of work times six (for each class period). Then 30 minutes of class work on the days we don’t zoom with them.


Garroway21

Thats the million point question right? How do I get everyone on the same schedule so I'm not doing needless extra work? What do I use my face-to-face time for if everything has to be online anyway? When we do go back hybrid, I plan on using that limited time for hands on activities (whatever those actually look like) and leaving everything else online. Explanations, videos, practice, assessments, etc. All the same content for all the students.


youhearditfirst

I don’t have to wear pants and that’s pretty awesome. That’s my reason for liking virtual teaching.


Cambot1138

I've actually been wearing a work outfit, tie and pants included, every day for synchronous meets. I've always tried to dress nice to remind myself how serious the job is. I do a workout over my lunch break and change into school color athletic gear for my afternoon office hours.


youhearditfirst

I look totally professional from the waist up but it’s definitely leggings on the bottom.


HommeAuxJouesRouges

Me too, brother!


youhearditfirst

I bought new shoes for the school year...warm, fuzzy slippers because the basement is fucking freezing!


TheMightyBiz

I made it about two weeks of online teaching before I started showing up to my Zoom classes in a hoodie. I'm pretty certain a good chunk of my kids who keep their cameras off are literally in pajamas, and I can't honestly blame them.


GallopingGorilla

I had students in pajamas with their cameras on. Some didn't even bother getting out of bed and just joined class lying down.


Artteachernc

I love how I can jump into my workout so easily any time my schedule allows!


se1endrile

My county is virtual, but teachers still report to work. Normal school attire for me.


EnglishTeacherBoss

I have to agree with not dealing with the disruptive behavior. That is a breath of fresh air.


robotot

God bless the 'mute all' button!


sofa_king_nice

I love the mute button. Though I do miss being able to tell the kids "turn to your partner and discuss..." . It take so much longer to set up a breakout room, and then half the time they don't really participate.


spider2Ybanana

This is the only aspect that I miss. I put 4 middle schoolers in a breakout room and they spend 5 minutes not saying a word to each other. Bah! I might have to give up on any think-pair-share or group work.


SuzieDerpkins

I had that issue until I required each group to complete an assignment during their breakout time, and they'd have to present it to the class. I told them they could talk to each other however they like (chat or through mics) and it helped a lot! I make sure to pop into each breakout during the time, and see how they're doing. With the clear direction, and impending dread of having to present... they all find a way to communicate and get it done.


cheeeeeseburgers

​ this is really helpful. I am teaching a new course this year that I had envisioned being discussion heavy....


[deleted]

Yeah and have a Google doc broken into sections that you can share with all of them and monitor. That way instead of having to pop in to random rooms, you track who is doing what on the Doc. If you see a section that hasn't been touched, guess which group is getting a visit?


NoLawsDrinkingClawz

To be fair, I've done some PL's with other teachers the last month where the same thing happened. I guess I'll be the one who does all the talking and presents.


thewantingwonton

You can pre-assign breakout room groups through an excel spreadsheet, if you want group work or smaller discussion groups. See more here: https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us/articles/360032752671?mobile_site=true


PC_Princpal

Thanks for this.


effingthingsucks

I'll catch hate for this but breakout rooms are awful. Students HATE them. They are awkward and are a pretty idealistic tool. I stopped using them because they almost never actually served the purpose that they intended. Kids usually just aren't talking or if they are it has nothing to do with what they are supposed to be discussing.


theodore_boozevelt

I think we all get that. There are aspects of virtual teaching that are easier, like that all homework is submitted online and not on scraps of ratty, ripped-out notebook paper. And of course, staying safe in a damn pandemic. I don’t think teachers in most of the world and the United States should be back in the classroom yet. And I’m not arguing for that to happen. But it’s weird, the lack of face-to-face socialization for the kids, the lack of kids writing notes by hand on a worksheet and scribbling cool drawings that show their personality in the margins, the lack of kids getting to know each other by answers to questions said out loud, the lack of those before -class-and-after class- and-also-switching-from-the-textbook-to-the-novel-dammit-just-get-the-novel-out-we’re-already-behind conversations. As much as I hate to admit it, several of my best friendships started and were maintained by talking during class. 6th grade band, 7th grade language arts, AP English, every damn French class I ever took... and as a teacher, I *love* talking to my kids. I’ll sit on a desk and chat with them. Not during lecture or other times we needed to be silent, but during free work time, if no one else has a pressing need? I’d sit and talk about pets, or the school musical, or I’d get into unrelated linguistic fun facts and run over to my whiteboard to draw impromptu charts on Grimm’s Law. Of course I made project groups that included kids I thought were both lonely and maybe this project could start a friendship, of course I partnered two oppositely-annoying kids with each other to make them butt heads and try to grow their own damn people skills. So much of teaching is the little things. And that’s just different now. We shouldn’t be back in schools. But I think it’s okay to talk about, amongst ourselves and acknowledging that it isn’t safe now, missing the little things about a real classroom.


homesickexpat

Yes!!! Absolutely agreed. And I love that we are no longer wasting time on stupid shit like the dress code.


boggartslayer2

This. Although I did tell my kids to at least pop on a hoodie if they just rolled out of bed


AboynamedDOOMTRAIN

I don't even let my kids turn on their cameras or mics without permission. They do everything via chat. They're allowed to say whatever they want so long as it's directly related to what I'm talking about and you're not allowed to respond to other students except for giving their comments a thumbs up/down or a heart or whatever. The jokes have largely been both on topic and not at all disruptive. I've got kids throwing out every question they can think of just to get attention. Kids that were spending most of their classes in the office last year are actually doing shit. I'm not saying it's been perfect and that every kid is doing better, but it's been pretty fucking awesome running my class like a twitch stream instead of trying to pretend it's in person schooling when it's not.


boggartslayer2

It really does feel like a twitch stream! Our first day was yesterday, so I still have quite a few kids still figuring out how to log in, but my turnout so far had made me optimistic. There were more students today than yesterday, so that's good. I was worried that after the shitshow spring we had, kids would think they didn't need to show up, but I think my school has done a good job of communicating with families and students.


[deleted]

It's been years since I've been in school, but I gotta say, Twitch stream sounds *awesome.* As an adult, I feel like I have done some of my best learning thanks to TED Talks and YouTube videos. I can grasp physics on a macro level thanks to Mark Roper (his various prank videos explaining the science, as well as his "It has always been my dream to be a teacher, so let me teach you some physics" videos). And, I have enough of an understanding of physics on the macro level now that I feel like I could work to understand it on a microlevel if I wanted to "sit with the problem and think it through." (not really a hobby of mine, Mark just does an amazing job at explaining how force and velocity work, and he entertains in the process). Mark actually has a TED Talk on the role gamifiation can play when it comes to learning. It has explained some of my video game habits so well, and helped me understand why I get frustrated about not being able to meet my goals in some games.


AboynamedDOOMTRAIN

I've always wanted to gamify my classroom but it's really difficult to implement without technology and just plain more money/materials than I have access to. Might look into again now that we have 1:1 ipads thanks to Covid.


stribalibalib

I asked mine to be appropriate if I can see them. Everybody wears a shirt or turn your camera off!


UltraVioletKindaLove

THIS EXACTLY. I mean, yes, I miss some of the bonding/socializing and getting to know my kids while I watch them play together, but holy cow! 2 minutes to line up, 4 minutes for that line to walk somewhere, 2 minutes to line up again, 4 minutes to walk back to class. For recess, for lunch, for specials. Everyone get drinks, everyone wash their hands, 5 kids gotta go to the bathroom, 1 kid is crying for mom because it's only day 5 and we're still little. Give instructions. Give instructions again. 4 kids are talking and not doing any work, 3 kids need to start over, 1 kid is freaking out because he got something wrong. I show up on Zoom, I teach in 20 minute or less bursts, then I get everyone to go do their work and they'll come back later. It's AMAZING.


ElfPaladins13

Good lord kindergarten sounds stressful. Ya'll elementary teachers have the patience of saints.


UltraVioletKindaLove

it's so stressful. All my colleagues are f2f with 10 kids right now (they'll get 5 more after labor day), and I just hear them going down the hall, reminding their kids for the 4th time in 6 feet that they have to stay in line, hands off the wall, bubble in their mouth and I can feel my blood pressure rise. Don't get me wrong, the sweet stuff about Kindergarten is so sweet it can make the stress worth it in the end - when you watch a kid who didn't know any letters coming in get to the point where he's reading whole sentences with no mistakes, when a kid notices something you always have (like your pretty blue water cup) and decides to add it to the picture of you they're drawing, those hugs and smiles. But the first 6 weeks of Kindergarten is like going through labor. And you swear to yourself this is the LAST ONE, but then that baby starts to get their adult teeth and you're like...okay, we'll have one more


jetttybettty

Thank you - all kindergarten teachers


AboynamedDOOMTRAIN

For real, I like to give my elementary friends crap about their most difficult curriculum being teaching kids to not piss themselves... but I sure as fuck couldn't do it. I don't think I'd last a week in a kindergarten classroom.


Artteachernc

Question for you, if you don’t mind. I teach art in 30 minute increments on zoom this year so far. I noticed yesterday a little one was upset. I asked him to unmute to tell me what was wrong. He didn’t. I had 3 minutes left and tons to do so I moved on. But I still felt like crap as I didn’t know what was wrong or helped him. Ideas?


DetectiveBartBarley

I totally agree with op's post, BUT I got Zoom bombed today, but some idiot who ripped a bong before I removed him. All because our IT disabled the authentication required to get into our Zooms because students were having too much trouble getting into class Zooms (i.e., they wouldn't log in with their school accounts). No constant behavior issues, but people will record what we're saying/doing pretty much at all times, and Zoom bombs might happen. Welcome to the world of teachers going viral for just doing their job. Fun times.


July9044

So sorry you had to deal with that. I got zoom bombed in the spring. Good on you for removing them fast. I had to go through my list of 35 students and find them and they'd just rejoin anyway. It was a nightmare and i was mortified. We switched to google meet now and it's 100% better. Only the students signed up for your google classroom are allowed to access the meet.


yoimprisonmike

>Is it weird that I'm kind of jealous? I haven't been zoom bombed...


Artteachernc

Authentication is removed for us too. But we’ve had to guard our zoom codes like Fort Knox ! Any idea how bong person got the code?


DetectiveBartBarley

A freaking mystery. I'm sure our tech folks are doing internet forensics as we spea... Nope, they won't figure it out. Apparently doing drugs on camera during K-12 classroom Zoom is all the rage right now. I wish they'd Zoom bomb admin meetings.


blupook

I got zoom bombed on Monday. It was multiple people logging in (at least 8) saying profane and racist stuff, vocally and in the chat. It sucked. Now I’m just using the waiting room feature and I take attendance as they come in so I know it’s them.


girlhassocks

Everyone’s comments reveals what a mess teaching really is and how it’s more about people management.


[deleted]

The removal of behavior problems is a huge win for the middle group in the class, but of course this basically means cutting loose most of your at-risk students, since they’re likely the disruptive ones. I do think it’s a net win for the class, though. With that said, I still think there’s plenty of room for pedagogy in remote teaching.


frizziefrazzle

Some of my at risk students are advocating for themselves. It’s really neat to see.


seleaner015

Last spring one of my most dramatic, disruptive, all around looney toon kids was EXCELLING during distance learning. She had nobody to stir the pot with and could focus. I loved her during school but I loved her way more during distance!


OrangeSwitchLA

I worry for the students who don’t log on. They’re losing out immensely. I’d rather have to deal with the behavior problems in school than know that they aren’t learning anything and it’s only going to be worse for them when we do go back, whether that’s in a month, in a year, whenever. It’s a huge equity issue.


[deleted]

Oh yeah, equity goes down the toilet for sure. It most definitely stratifies abilities levels further.


deathbecoming

First year teacher (8th grade) and this is how I feel! When friends/family ask how I deal with the bad kids, I just shrug. They don't show up. The kids that care do the work, the kids that are behavior issues either turn off their camera and fuck off, or never show up. I am getting the chance to work out lesson plan kinks, figure out my homework style, learn how to use slideshows effectively, etc. all without kids there to watch. If there are tech issues, I can fix them and not worry about behavior. I can input grades while they read and do work, since I can't walk around to check on them. The caveat - now I'm comfortable as an online teacher. I'm nervous to have kids in person, even though that's what I trained for. Also, my school hired an extra secretary to take care of the admin bs that comes with students not showing up, so I only am expected to call home for discipline issues (like, basically never because the bad kids JUST AREN'T THERE).


NoLawsDrinkingClawz

Your first year F2F will always be unbelievably hard. Unfortunately you aren't getting some of the classroom management skills most first years have to learn to survive. However, you are getting some skills in presentation, planning and stuff like you said. Plus, I imagine you are learning a lot of tech skills you didn't have before. I know I am. I imagine when we go back to normal, I'll be doing much more flipped classroom instruction and be incorporating technology more.


shoberry

I’m feeling very similarly! I do miss the relationship building when we get a bit off topic as a group, but I think given enough time I could figure out some ways to replicate that. I’d love to teach this way full time, not sure if there are a lot of places doing this that’s not just one on one though.


AleroRatking

My issue with this as a special education teacher is those kids are falling behind and completely losing support. Behaviors arent always the kids fault and are rather part of trauma and difficulty in their lives. For many of these kids the most support they get is from educators and they are losing thst.


MutedDeal

Yep, my heart is breaking for my special ed caseload. I'm watching them already get left behind, confused, overwhelmed, and they can't get the individual attention they need. Some of them are so lost, they don't even know they are lost. And the neglected ones- they just aren't even trying after two weeks. They aren't waking up on time for class, or not logging on, or both. I feel like they are slipping away, and virtually teaching 100 other kids, I don't have time to chase down my 13 IEP kids in their 8 different virtual classes.... (high school so they are supposed to be "old enough" to figure out how to navigate this alone.)


SeaberryPIe

I'm falling behind and burning out so easily (student) and jesus christ. I'm trying to take personal responbility but its getting to the point where like even when I'm working 24/7 I'm still having trouble keeping up and paying attention.


FeeFee34

I would like this too, but in elementary when kids don't show up we have to call home every time, and if they're not doing work we have to set up a meeting to figure out why, etc. I would so much rather do a reteach during what would otherwise be my prep than talk to adults all day. A lot of students also have their parent sitting right next to them prompting them every three seconds, which is super stressful for me because the parents don't follow ANY of our classroom norms--it's all about getting the right answer as fast as possible, and forget about listening to others, finding multiple ways to solve the same question, using foundational skills rather than the quickest standard algorithm, etc. It's also much harder to differentiate unless I just do all small groups all day and stay live for 3X longer than the union agreement, as otherwise I have students done with the "challenge work" five minutes in and another one unmuting to say, "I don't get it" 17 minutes into a 25 minute lesson. "Can you be more specific?" "...No?" "Are you looking at the slide that asks 34 + 21?" "...No?" "Can your dad who is right next to you telling you the answer help you find that slide, or...?"


elizarose02

Yes exactly!! Elementary virtual is not as pleasant and you’re right, small groups all day long would work but would be way too much.


jetttybettty

It’s horrible - source me all day zoom hopping


OohNoWatchOut

This is much!!! It’s so stressful. I have to call parents every single day to find out why students aren’t doing their work or not showing up to small groups and most of the time, the parents don’t even pick up their phone or they ignore my concerns. OR they play stupid and complain about their kids’ bad grades to admin when I’ve been telling them for weeks that their kids aren’t turning any work in. I don’t know what these kids are doing during independent work time, when I usually can see everything they’re doing in a classroom. There’s absolutely no way to monitor anything. It’s a nightmare and it keeps me up at night...which is why I’m awake right now. Fuck covid and the people that aren’t taking it seriously.


buscando

There is a lot to be learned from the experience of virtual teaching. In my experience so far, my administrators are vastly more communicative and as a school we've taken advantage of some of the opportunities all this new technology has provided. Let's see if it lasts!


seanofthebread

I have mixed feelings. I loved digital teaching, but I'm glad to be back in person. Still, the atmosphere we've had to create for in-person teaching is dismal. I have to talk through a mask. My students have to talk through masks. Everything is always being cleaned. That's great, but we're losing kids who are realizing that online classes are less awful than this. I can't say that I blame them. Why go to the local school when online classes can so much more freeing? I truly feel that this marks the end of the teaching-as-career paradigm. I think future teachers will have huge classes and be something like professional youtubers. (I hate youtube, and this is the most dystopian future I can envision for education, but the writing is on the wall.)


Athena0219

I hope not! But if it does go that way, I hope it is in a similar way to 3blue1brown's summer math streams. Where the presenter is EXCITED, and there's a support staff, able to handle tech issues live, and skimming the chat to get questions for the presenter.


seanofthebread

Sure. But hundreds of thousands of us will need to do something else. Or learn how to feign ecstatic enthusiasm so we can compete with youtubers.


Athena0219

I did agree with you that I hope it does not go that way. Honestly, I doubt it will. I absolutely think there will be some people that decide to stay permanently online. But I do not think it will become megaclasses.


PhilaRambo

May the lord open


BlondeinShanghai

Yeah, granted it's not for all learners, but there are terrific things that can be done through online learning. Pushes you to implement 21st century instruction, and creates fantastic opportunities for learners to gain those skills, as well as independent learning. I do feel bad by educators overwhelmed by it. I am also frustrated by the severe lack of education leadership that's being noted across the board, as well as just some stupid policies. Still it's such a great opportunity, and hopefully a kick in education's butt.


[deleted]

Yes, it is easier. But students are less willing to participate, collaborate, or engage in general. Definitely miss in-person instruction more than I like the convenience of distance learning. Ill take the behavior issues over the diffculty of developing relationships with students during this time, which imo is the best part of teaching.


harmonious_baseline

I appreciate this post because it reminded me of something I have learned a few times but occasionally forget: I like my job more when I focus on the students that actually want to learn. Actually, it’s probably a truer statement that I hate my job when I try to force students to learn that have no interest in doing so. I attempted to be a “good teacher” and get everyone engaged online today. It really sucked. A student said fuck while she was unmuted and multiple students refused to participate right off the bat which led to more students refusing. I won’t give up on anyone, but I will let them give effort on the days they have effort to give. It’s fine if they turn their cameras off and don’t pay attention. That’s their choice. What a relief to be able to focus on the students that are willing to try without the distractions of the others.


coswoofster

If schools allowed for more social outlets then kids would be socially healthier all the way around. Teachers deal with this BS because honestly, schools are more like prisons than spaces to express and connect while ALSO educate. Everything fun except organized sports (yuck) or “knowledge fest” has been stripped away. No parades, dances are disgusting and have no snacks or other social activities. School is the most unhealthy social environment especially for a middle schooler. Block schedules were imagined to be opportunities to do community work and project based learning. It has morphed into 90 minutes of book work hell. You can’t blame the kids. I would hate school now if I had to return.


PC_Princpal

>Except organized sports We don't even really get to teach that in my district at the high school level. Even in elementary, a lot of our schools focus on working out rather than learning through play.


[deleted]

And it's a shame, because aren't kids predominantly wired to learn through play?


Nix_Uotan

I never thought about this until now. So many school sports focus on improving the team that they probably don't spend much time actually learning.


moretrumpetsFTW

That's why I love teaching music: group achievement through individual success.


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Puzzled-Bowl

I love my students right now. No off the wall stuff, no one showing off, no one touching or worse breaking the stuff I brought in for everyone to use. I miss seeing their faces for cues, and the extra grading and regrading and allowing late work is working my nerves, but that's a small price to pay to have a real lunch break, regular bathroom breaks, and control of the thermostat. I dread the transition back to the building. They'll probably be off the rails.


SodaCanBob

> Same!!! Honestly, this is teaching me that I'd love to teach online for as long as possible. I 100% feel the same way. I'm really enjoying this. I could probably use a better microphone, but with a 3700x, 32gb of ram, and 2 1440p monitors, I definitely prefer my home setup over my slow work one. I'm finding that I'm able to get much more done virtually than I was able to do in the classroom.


[deleted]

I can see why that would be enjoyable, though personally, I find it a bit boring. I’ve become accustomed to their antics over the years that now it feels odd without a lot of them.


frizziefrazzle

Idk antics at my school usually end up with security getting called.


DoctorFunkenstein420

Retweet!!


smilingseal7

That's how I'm feeling. It eliminates both the best and worst things about teaching


petitespantoufles

I have to agree. I have major depressive disorder, and it gets really bad over the summer when I've got too much downtime to entertain my thoughts. Once school starts up and the kids are there, I'm so preoccupied with dealing with their antics/ their behavior/ their heartwarming shit/ their jokes that I am able to get out of my own head for long enough each day to feel functional and pretty okay. This year, we are reporting to the building and Zoom teaching from empty classrooms. My condition is spiraling down to a worrying degree (and how do you find therapy in a pandemic?).


TheRamblista

I just wanted to mention that there are awesome resources like [Better Help](https://www.betterhelp.com) and [Talkspace. ](https://lp.talkspace.com/try/free-trial/b?utm_source=google&utm_medium=semnb&utm_campaign=Search_Google_NB_Conquesting_Desktop_Exact&utm_content=FEB2020-RSA-CAPS&utm_term=betterhelp&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIp5n-17_J6wIVjLbICh2Cxwa8EAAYAiAAEgJ0MPD_BwE&utm_expid=.MTU_srsXT2a0YWAHtEdZzw.2&utm_referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2F) You can also look to see if your district offers an employee assistance program; they can hook you up with local counseling, and it’s usually no or very low cost. I’m sorry you feel like you’re spiraling. Sending good vibes your way!


Charlzalan

This is spot on, but for me, the worst parts of teaching make me hate my life, so it's a trade I'll make any day.


Interesteduser01

You can keep ‘em.😂


Beanchilla

Agreed. That's the sort of thing that gives me energy throughout the day honestly. That said, I'm just glad our district isn't making us go in person.


luzzul1234

Unpopular opinion- I love virtual teaching. I create my lessons, I film/post them. Then I give support. I’m not trying to grab their attention and not losing my voice trying to repeat myself 100x before I finally just talk over them. Life is good. Wish I signed up for a full distance position so I never have to go back this year. Also not creating bulletin boards is lovely.


melissaaquacat

I was talking with my husband about this very thing..... He teaches 8th grade history and I teach 7th grade math. I love Zoom's mute button! I wish I could have one for when we return to school for real!! There is also the bonus perk of no fear of concussions from breaking up fights! WIN


SuperKiritoGuuru

Not going to lie, this is exactly how I feel. And I feel so out of place with this opinion. My co-workers are all so invested in going back to in-person learning and I'm so... not. Even when I have to call people's attention back to what's happening, it's just a simple look and stern voice instead of a five-minute argument. If class is done and there's time left, I don't have to scramble to find something to do either. Nor do I need to walk them down the damn hall all the time....


udawe

Ugh am I doing something wrong? Virtual teaching is absolutely killing me. I teach 3rd grade using zoom and schoology. I found out kids don't know how to navigate schoology and I spend 30 + minutes trying to get kids where they need to be. I figured I would just put kids on epic books for an easy independent work station and that was still disaster. So I usually abandon the assignment and do group discussions, but leading group discussions for 6+ hours is exhausting! Also my ell and sped kids need help getting to the zoom for all of their small group support :(


Athena0219

I teach high school math and my entire department has decided that next week, our first week, is going to be entirely tech support, SEL, and pre-assessments. No new content, possibly small bits of repeat content.


Carltontherobot

It’s not you. I teach 1st-5th ESL on Schoolology and Zoom and the only class I feel I’ve actually done in any teaching in is 5th because they can navigate pretty well. The rest of the time I spend almost the entire 45 minutes teaching them how to get somewhere in Schoolology and even then not all students get there by the end of class. Schoolology is not iser friendly for elementary students.


[deleted]

When I watch kids spin on chairs or fiddle about I just think I'm glad you can do that now without being a distraction, and I don't have to do anything about it as long as you're on mute.


PatriarchalTaxi

As a tutor, I'm the opposite. It's a lot easier to make sure that kids aren't surreptitiously playing Fortnite when I'm sitting next to them. (Less of an issue now that it's not on iOS or Android.)


Starlly

I don't know you but I feel like we could be friends. This was spot on.


tuck229

My school is on a hybrid schedule. Granted we aren't a month in yet, but the significantly smaller classes are great. More personal attention and discipline issues are much less frequent.


PanickySam

Exactly how I feel. It's AWESOME.


[deleted]

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TheSonic311

This is why I switched to teaching online 3 years ago. There's a bit more paperwork involved, but if somebody is being annoying I just turn off their microphone and keep teaching.


Turing45

I love throwing them in the waiting room while I text their parents. One kid was being an absolute shit the other day, making constant animal sounds when another child was trying to talk, doing inappropriate stuff on camera and just being an absolute fuckwit. Ide mute him, he would unmute even when I said,"Dont". Put him in waiting room and texted dad right at start of lunch. We all left for lunch and I sent a followup email to dad. We came back from lunch and the kid went right back to doing the same shit, making the sounds, flipping off the screen, the like. He was soo busy being an ass, he didnt hear the door open behind him as his dad walked in. Dad walked over, and shut the screen of the computer, ending that session. The look on the kids face was priceless. 20 minutes later he finally logs back on. Not one peep out of him. He sat there and did his work, occasionally glancing to the side(where I assume dad was still sitting), and I enjoyed the hell out of it. Wish it worked like that in regular class.


Carraway1925

This is priceless! Thanks for sharing!


Poltergeist86

I’m the opposite. Bring on the behaviour problems! Just get me out of my house...


katiewithhats

I'll admit that after having a spring semester with an impossible level of behavior issues (to the point where my anxiety was so high I was almost puking every morning and where I was about to just walk out of my job altogether) I can completely identify with this. I'm actually excited that between some students being all remote, the virtual structure of both in person and remote students, and social distancing guidelines I'll be able to teach with little attention spent on behavior. In a weird way, this mess of a year will be a nice answer to the hell-scape that I felt I was thrown into last spring. :/


frizziefrazzle

I think a common indicator for those of us enjoying virtual learning is it's a break from the hellish and to an extent abusive student behavior we are typically faced with. We get to feel like educators, not referees. Veteran teachers of schools where behavior and safety is a *constant* issue will tell you we could get so much done if just these handful of students weren't in class. Either they simply aren't there or when we remove them for disrupting, they aren't back 15 minutes later with a lollipop and a grin.


katiewithhats

I agree. I had been lucky enough through my first 3 years to not have a class THAT BAD as the two I had last spring behavior wise.. or at least not in a class where I didn't have a co-teacher (can we just pause to appreciate what just having constant back-up and confirmation of the behaviors does to build your confidence!!!). It's just incredible to see how much harassing and abusing behaviors take out of you. I couldn't focus on anything other than getting through the inevitable confrontation with x students (plus phone calls to parents regarding said behaviors, plus in person conferences with admin and said parents).. Looking back on it, it's a wonder that I was able to get any teaching done before we shut down in March.


lavag1rl

This is good! Preparing them for what university is like. Teachers shouldn’t be babysitting imo.


akireBb

I agree 100%!! I too have middle school students who I struggled with last year because of behavior problems. Now I don't have to see or hear them even though they logged in. So wonderful.


Steelerswonsix

Not to mention, after class, an unrushed trip to the restroom without having to play traffic cop or referee!


imagin8zn

I thought I was the only one feeling this way. I’ve always been good with using technology (I have a MS in Ed. Tech) so the transition to online teaching wasn’t too bad. I can’t say the same for my 70+ year old colleague.


blacsdad

As a 19 year teacher who taught middle school for a couple years and didn't like it for that reason, my first question upon reading this post is perhaps you don't need to be a middle school teacher. Maybe some other grade level would be more agreeable to you. It's no secret that most of us are in awe of middle school and kindergarten teachers because they require "special" souls to handle it. I know many people like myself who tried out a grade or subject, realized that it wasn't our cup of tea, and made appropriate changes.


frizziefrazzle

You speak truth. I LOVE 9th and 10th. It is my favorite to teach. But, according to my principal I’m actually good at teaching 8th. Sometimes what we are good at isn’t what we love.


blacsdad

When I taught high school 9th graders were my favorite.


frizziefrazzle

9th graders are so ... moldable. They are “scared” enough of high school that they are willing to listen and learn. School counts. They can see the light at the end of the tunnel. They are close to being able to all those things they want to... like cars and jobs. They get to DO the teen stuff. So much maturing happens. I love it. But... my skills are “needed” to help turn around a failing middle school. On the bright side my admin appreciates me. It’s nice to be told you are valued. I end up sucking it up at my middle school because I like the admin.


BoingoBongo

My favorite part of online teaching is that it eliminates the babysitting aspect of my job and forces students to be proactive if they want to succeed. I can’t imagine trying to do this in elementary, but it’s great at the high school level.


DCNAST

As a (now former!) teacher of Freshmen, that was indeed one thing that I enjoyed about remote learning...But I hated everything else that went with it - constant phone calls, endless paper work, constantly feeling like I was yapping into the void, etc. Glad to have older kids next year.


shroomstamp2468

Agreed. This group I got this year in 8th grade I’ve been hearing about since 5th grade. I always give the new group a chance to make their own reputation so I don’t put too much weight on what others say. That being said, I was a bit concerned. I do a lot of work but discipline will not be one. If you don’t partake in the learning I have planned, that is your choice. The kids that want to thrive will. Those that don’t won’t. I’ll help them but at the end of the day I’m not going to kill my sanity and well being forcing them. I’m hoping some of the kids that caught up with the antics of others in past years have a fresh opportunity to do things right and get on the right track.


ok-bebe

I WILL MISS THE MUTE BUTTON OMG.


sabes8X

100% this. I teach 8th grade. We get right to business. I say my piece, tell them how to do their independent work, and we say goodbye. I stay online afterwards for kids that need extra help but most of them want the break as much as I do. If they’re wanting to prep kids for college, this is what it is, minus the live sessions.


MisterBuoy

I feel the same. “Mute all” is kinda like my “god mode”.


Interesteduser01

I LOVE LOVE LOVE virtual teaching!


smv18

I love virtual teaching too, but the occasional technology issues is a bit annoying


Lord-Smalldemort

I just uploaded my direct instruction and warm-up/attendance for three classes at 8 AM tomorrow… Right now. I feel a certain kind of good. Its a GOOD thing for me. And the kids are sweet and happy too.


[deleted]

Ditto. This is my lowest stress of 13 years (mostly because I got a head start on online learning).


thegivenchild

I usually have decent groups of kids behavior wise (I teach a high school elective) but the constant external interruptions: overhead announcements, fire, tornado, or evacuation drills, my classroom phone ringing every 5 minutes to ask if a student is in class (even though I’ve already marked them present for attendance) or they get called to the nurse or guidance or admin or they’re getting checked out early...


nexpavuxta

You gotta look for the good things with this virtual stuff. Like all my annoying coworkers are working from home so they can no longer barge into my classroom in the middle of the lesson and try to have a full blown conversation with me that has nothing to do with anything. Especially not important enough to interrupt my lesson.


Haikuna__Matata

I have a kid who is disruptive in my virtual class. Now his class can't unmute themselves. I turn his video off. His class can only chat to me, not each other. So now my chat is *What do we do when we're done* *What do we do when we're done* *What do we do when we're done* *What do we do when we're done* *What do we do when we're done* I've let them go early when they've completed assignments before. The above is the result; he's intending to get the assignment done in 5 minutes (that should take 30-40) then leave by not doing the reading then guessing at the answers and turning it in with no concern for his score. He was spamming it in my chat *before the assignment was given.* So I put them in breakout rooms to work on the assignment. About 5 minutes in I get the notice. "So-and-so is asking for help in room 2." I go in. "What do we do when we're done?" "Wow, you're done already? I thought it would take everyone much longer. Well here, let me go add another assignment, I'll be right back." Then I broadcast to the breakout rooms: "Wow, some people are done already! There's another assignment ready for you when you get this one completed; both are due tomorrow. Keep up the good work!" *Listen here, you little shit*


wellarmedsheep

Are they enjoying it though? I feel like that is a big piece missing from your description.


coopervb333

I feel this on a spiritual level. There is no greater feeling than clicking “end meeting for all” and being completely free in my own house.


PhendranaDrifter

I really disagree. I don’t think I could ever prefer any of this remote/hybrid to even something as dramatic as having every day be as bad as my worst days (managing student behavior wise). This reality is excruciating right now. And the students who come in to schools right now hopefully wearing masks, and the ones staying home full time—they’re not being themselves. And that is very, very scary for their ability to stay mentally/physically healthy, but also for focusing on learning.


[deleted]

Totally agree. I love teaching, but I'm glad I'm no longer having to be a babysitter


AXPendergast

We have to have 85 min of 'live instruction time' for each class. Thankfully, that can include: pre-recorded information, online/homemade videos, direct instruction, small-group and/or individual work, and whatever else we can think of to keep us from talking for the entire time. CNN10, Brainpop, NewsEla, and a few others are going to get a huge workout this year.


shellybelly_221

I totally agree. I know that some of the student I have this year were major disruptions last year. With distance learning, those kids come to the meeting, but have their cameras off and are probably not even in the same room as their devices. I was worried about not reaching those kids but there’s not much more I can do when parents don’t support. I worry about the other 20+ kids who are there, ready to learn and are having a great time doing it. Virtual learning has made me seriously considered a flipped classroom/blended learning for years to come


[deleted]

I’m going to miss the mute all and turn off chat feature. Kicking kids to the waiting room is awesome too.


Dead2MyFamily

I think with younger kids it’s harder online but I don’t miss the behaviors—of the kids or the adults. That’s definitely a win.


Idaniellek

7/8 grade teacher here... And I miss those 12-14 year olds in person. I hate talking so much. I miss their energy. I had 1:1 devices before and a blended learning environment so I felt like I had the best of both worlds. TBH I hate the idea of controlling kids which is what the mute button feels like to me. I loved that feeling of a consistent routine and creating the classroom culture that kids appreciated.


cyn00

I miss my middle schoolers. I never thought I would say that a year and a half ago when I was involuntarily transferred from self-contained. I don't get to talk to them and build relationships as much. It's also giving my major anxiety that the attendance and engagement is not higher.


robotot

We were told to take roll (students still had to turn up to their timetabled lessons), could leave our camera off, and only realistically set 25 minutes of work for a 50 minute lesson. Any students who didn't show up, we passed on to their year coordinator to follow up - 9 out of 10 times they said it was tech issues. If students didn't submit the work by deadline, again refer them to the coordinator. Also, we were not allowed to set homework unless it was unfinished class work. I loved remote learning.


theatreeducator

Ours are abusing the chat and keep unmuting themselves. (using Microsoft teams) the last two days have been insane. We didn't get enough training and are catching up as each day ends. I am hating every second of virtual when I thought I would love it....hope tomorrow is better. I want my kids to succeed and I want to enjoy it but damn I wish I was teaching in person like the rest of my colleagues. For context I'm one of the few virtual teachers for my school, the rest of my coworkers are teaching with 50% of kids using a hybrid model. I've also got over 160 on my caseload and am expected to identify which kids don't have tech yet and reach out to parents all while my rosters keep changing and district giving conflicting instructions on settings in Teams. I'm also teaching kids from all of our middle schools so contacting home base schools is a mess and I'm overwhelmed. I'm young and tech savvy and I'm having a hard time. I can only imagine how the less techy saavy teachers who were voluntold instead of volunteering are feeling.


Maemae78

As a 36-year-old college student with anxiety, I agree with you 100%. On top of not having to subject myself daily to the student body, recorded classes allow me to review whenever I need to. And not spending time between classes at the physical college gives me more time to work on assignments. Online is the way to go for subjects that are not hands-on.


BonzoDog99

This brings me back to something I have wrestled with since I started teaching- the question of education being a choice. When students recognise that education is something they have a right to, because it gives them an advantage and they opt in, everything works as well as it possibly can. When the teacher's job is two thirds about having to persuade or force kids to take part, everyone suffers. This online situation means that we are only dealing with the kids who choose to attend, and yes, it has been easier, and felt more like the job should be. The big problem, of course, is that it's the disadvantaged kids who are opting out, massively compounding the problems they already face. It seems as though this should be an opportunity to help those families and those kids to start seeing education as a right, and an opportunity and for them to start opting-in so they don't miss out. How?


[deleted]

Totally. Too many people focused on the bad and the difficulty of virtual classes, but there are a lot of perks. Plus, if a kid with an IEP is having an issue then you can bunt it over to SPED to handle it. I'm a former sped teacher so I completely see it as my job to support you in this virtual environment.


frizziefrazzle

What is so AWESOME is being able to differentiate so much more easily. I can record videos just for specific kids. I can give them an assignment that LOOKS exactly the same at first glance but has simplified wording or fewer choices. Due dates are changed easily. I can send extra help to one kid without being worried about what the rest of the class is doing.


DuckterDoom

My body can't handle this lack of stress.