• Priscilla Nason Shartle

hearthealthyboomer

~ Living healthy after age seventy.

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Tag Archives: teachers

Digital Learning

25 Monday May 2020

Posted by prisnasonshartle in Uncategorized

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digital learning, ESSA, iReady, IXL, language arts, math, pandemic, students, teachers

The past few months my eyes have been opened. I have learned to appreciate many things that I took for granted like worshiping in my church, family birthday parties and celebrations, a walk in the park, exercising in the gym, and so on. But most importantly, I took for granted my grandchildren’s teachers. Digital learning replaced the classroom and digital math, science, social studies and language arts tools replaced the teachers during this pandemic.

But the truth is, these digital tools were already in our student’s classroom being used daily supposedly to assess the progress of the students or in some cases to personalize the learning for students. In fact, under the “Every Student Succeeds Act” (ESSA) (United States Congress, 2015), schools and districts are expected to use federal funds for evidence-based activities, strategies, and interventions. This includes selecting digital tools and assessment instruments to align with the district’s learning objectives for students. This may be why iReady and IXL are the given tools being used in our district.

IXL, for example tracks each student’s progress, reports it back to the teacher supposedly allowing the teacher to review the digital data and apply what the student needs as additional classroom work or homework. Addressing individual needs is time-consuming and reports show that teachers advise that in order to personalize learning for students, professional development should model this by being personalized to each teacher. While I am not privy to what professional development the teachers are getting, I feel certain it is being provided.

My question is the problem that the online digital tools are not “teaching” the subjects. There is a huge difference between the two, and we parents and grandparents have discovered this during the pandemic. The programs are designed as a supplement, not a permanent form of education.  One discovery that affects the success of iReady and IXL is that when a wrong answer is given, the consequence is the student is forced back to start over again. The average student can spend over and hour trying to reach their goal. And if a child spends all day on the computer learning from these digital online tools, research has discovered that when answers are incorrect without explaining misconceptions, students may lose rather than gain opportunities to learn. I saw this firsthand as my granddaughters struggled with the demeaning and unhealthy manner in which iReady and IXL “teach.”

I could find no worth in either of these programs other than it was better than no education at all. But in my opinion, nothing  can replace a teacher. It is my prayer and hope that when the day comes that our children and grandchildren return to a classroom setting, they will never be exposed to either of these two programs or any other digital learning unless is limited to a small amount of time and done for fun, not as the main way to learn. I would suggest the school districts spend the money they currently spend on digital programs for additional teachers. Give teachers an opportunity to teach without using the programs.

Yes, we have learned a lot. But for me, it is that teaching is a gift and to be a teacher, care and concern for the student come first over test scores. Small groups, individual attention, paper, pencils, library books, and sharing stories should not be replaced by a chrome book and digital learning. Now is the time to prepare for the return to the classroom and what education really means to our future. Living in this pandemic has been hard on everyone. Compassion and understanding are the keys to surviving. Our children are the most vulnerable and because they are our future, it is our responsibility to put them first. To bring them back to school and sit them in front of a computer again will be like a slap in the face. Let us trust the system and remember the value of our human ability to be present in the lives of those that  matter.

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A New Year and Adventure

20 Friday Jul 2018

Posted by prisnasonshartle in Happy New Year

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grandchildren, parents, present day, schools, teachers

This is an open letter to all teachers, para pros, staff and faculty at my grandchildren’s schools:

It is that time of year that students, parents, teachers and faculty begin the new year at their respective schools.

I am very grateful that my grandchildren live and go to schools where they are treated with love, respect, kindness and understanding. And that are receiving a superb education.

My one request would be that no one go back to anything!  By this I mean to resolve to let go of a backward-looking consciousness.  That is, don’t say such things as, “go back to work” or “go back to school.”  These words imply monotony and unhappiness.

Let the new year be a time of reaching forward with eagerness and anticipation. In the days and months ahead live each day as if were the only day of eternity.  For it is true that the most important day is the present day.  There is no point in looking back or wasting time trying to look ahead.

Instead of keeping a calendar counting down the days to the first school break, countdown to upcoming events, celebrations, parties, and fun activities.  Post successes and achievements. Be proud that school is alive and well.

Success is based on the fact the we all have something in common.  We all love our children and grandchildren and we all only want what is best for them.  Knowing that we are one in this effort makes us strong and powerful and lifts us up which makes our schools wonderful.

And so I wish for you a great new year and an adventure for all concerned.  I plan to stay involved in all my grandchildren’s schools and be there for others who would also do so if they could.  For today is the most important year of my life and yours, the midpoint between all that we have been and all that we can and will become.

Happy New Year!

Pris Shartle

Paige, Lexi, Hayden and Emery Kate’s Grandmother and School Volunteer

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