If a school chooses an in-person teaching model, students and teachers will have face-to-face interactions in the classroom. All learning occurs in real-time.
Also known as a 'blended' teaching model, the hybrid learning model integrates components from both in-person and online learning. This model offers flexibility for schools to choose when students are learning in-person versus remotely for certain days of the week.
Schools using an online or distance learning model will move all teaching to virtual methods including live video chats, discussion boards, digital assignments, and more. Teachers are able to choose between synchronous (real-time) and asynchronous learning materials to best support student learning.
As the situation surrounding COVID-19 continues to evolve, Beehively understands the difficulty of preparing for a return to the classroom this fall. Although many medical professionals and leaders across the country have proposed vastly different options for school re-openings, many agree that technology will hold a critical role in supporting student success across all teaching models during this time.
To help schools navigate this tricky situation, we have interviewed school leaders, researched options proposed by state and medical leaders, and added in our own technical expertise to build a technology suggestion for reopening your school regardless of what type of program you will be running.
Regulatory Factors to consider
At home factors to consider
Are none of your kids online?
Use your classroom display to encourage students to work together while physically distanced. Try recording your screen and board for students and parents to use as a homework resource!
Leverage available connections from the students’ devices to your classroom display to keep students engaged with each other. Using tools like GSuite collaborations and Kahoot, students can learn together.
Are some students at home?
Set up a camera to teach distance learning students from your classroom. You can do this on a budget by using an older iPad or Chromebook on a stand to film your lesson.
Utilize an educational video call service like Beehively’s meetings or Google meet to allow remote students to fully engage in your classroom. Make sure you have notifications on the video meeting so that your remote students can ask live questions!
Are your kids all at home?
Create a schedule of classes that include a video call link that both students and parents can easily access. Beehively’s Hybrid Learning Platform will provide students with a daily agenda complete with meeting links and homework assignments.
Remember that learning from home involves additional, differentiated stressors than learning in a classroom. Consider scaling back the number of classes per day and opting for a slightly more free-form curriculum that supports individual learning and schedules. Check out our distance learning suggestions for more applications, programs, and curriculum options for fully online or distance learning.
We are happy to help any school in need though this transition. We offer full technology support services as well as free webinars and readiness assessments. If you think that your school would benefit from our help, you can reach us at (530) 341-2006 or elizabeth@beehively.com