One of the most import aspects of transitioning to remote learning is keeping similar schedules (if possible for meetings) and similar procedures not only each virtual day of school, but also thinking about times and schedules you had on-site in school (lunch, recess, morning meeting, mid-morning mindfulness, etc.). If it feels like your normal class discussions or conversations it will make the transition easier. Also, consider creating dress-up or themed days so students can have fun, feel a sense of community and distinguish one day from the next. Lastly, remember you can record the entire video meeting and share with those who missed it or might need to see again. This should be done as a way to have transparency over what occurs in your virtual meetings. (Take this short course to learn more)
Here is a quick list of ways you could utilize video meetings.
1. Explain and share information (As you know, people do not always read carefully!)
2. Lecture
3. Mini-lessons for small groups
4. Conferencing
5. Mindfulness moments
6. Planning with colleagues
7. Class discussions
8. Eat lunch together and be social
9. Parent support
10. Screensharing to provide visual step-by-steps
11. Shared experience through reading live or watching a video together
12. Small group support to personalize student needs
13. Project sharing of student work and presentations
14. Office hours to be available for student and parent needs
15. Bring experts to share information. (Reach out to scientists, executives, professors, other teachers, etc.)
16. Share work and construct projects that involve collaboration across classes
17. Use engaging tools for lessons such as Pear Deck, Edpuzzle, Nearpod, and Desmos to interact with your class
18. Don't forget the arts - plan time for creative activities in fine arts, music, and theater
19. Check-in times and progress monitoring since much of the work may be independent and students may not want to share with a large group or say they don't understand something unless you ask.
+ Have a mystery guest each week join your virtual class meeting (Mystery Skype has lots of resources on how or go about on your own with your Google or Zoom platform also.)