While hybrid teaching and learning rates have dropped considerably in the K-12 sector with more students returning to in-person classrooms, there is a lot to be gleaned from experiences during the pandemic. This article from Education Week (previously featured in the 10-16-2015 Scout Report) provides readers with a series of mini case studies that highlight what did - and just as importantly, did not - work well for teachers and students around the U.S. as they rose to the challenge of working in a variety of remote and hybrid environments. The article highlights some unsurprising but lamentable findings: reactions to remote/hybrid education options range considerably among teachers, administrators, parents, and students; the digital divide is sadly still a reality; technical issues abound; and getting remote students to complete work and assignments can be extremely difficult. Even so, there are some bright spots. Teachers learned to be creative and innovative with their use of technology, utilizing phones, laptops, clickers, and more to better engage students. Multilingual families often benefited from being able to connect more easily with interpreters in an online environment. Disciple rates dropped and for some families it was easier for parents to meet with teachers without the struggle of finding daycare. Reading through this article can provide both educators and parents with food for thought and help them consider which portions of hybrid and remote learning may be worth keeping in the educational mix moving forward.
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