03/20/2020

Reflection 2

EDCI325 UVM

One week ago today, I walked out of my classroom laughing as my coworker said, “See you Monday, if we’re here!” I could not even fathom that within the week, we would be stuffing packets to go home for each subject and explaining to teary-eyed second graders that this is for the best and we would see them soon. Although we are in uncharted waters, more than ever I know I am in the right business-education. Knowledge is the thing that makes us less afraid. Understanding brings what lurks in the shadows out into the daylight. Teaching remotely has given me the gift of reflection and quiet; it has given me gratitude.

As I think about the leaders I have seen, I have been impressed by some and less so by others. At the beginning of the week, I had a natural tendency to compare my nearby home state of Massachusetts with the response from Governor Scott, here in Vermont. At first, I felt frustrated at his lack of action and decision making. Although I still believe he lacked the timeliness to close schools for Monday, I now believe it was a much more coordinated effort between the state and the Agency of Education. When I look at my colleagues in MA, I can see that they have not yet even begun the process of remote teaching. Many have expressed a feeling of languishing and worry as they know the situations some of their students are facing at home. While I completely agree that the first step is helping families adjust to new circumstances, I think providing some sense of consistency is really crucial to helping students socially and emotionally. Many of my colleagues here in Vermont have stepped up as leaders, providing resources to families, to one another, and reminding each other that we in fact are doing our best in an unexpected time. 

In my own district, I have found my principal to be a very decisive and communicative leader. While previously I may have described him as a more authoritative leader, he has been swift to make decisions but has also enlisted and trusted his teachers to pull necessary materials for all kids. He is truly calling on mavens and connectors to help him fill teachers’ gaps around remote teaching with technology. I do wish we had more of a vision as is described in ISTE Standard 2B (Visionary Planner) regarding technology, but I know these are times that are unprecedented and unexpected. Perhaps, as we move forward out of this crisis technology will have more of a significant role in Professional Development. My final frustration is simply the unknown. Attempting to even the inequity some of our families are facing with lack of devices, our administrators have given the guidance that new material will not be taught yet, and students are to be given paper based packets for practice. Until we see if this dismissal goes beyond April 6th, we have been instructed not to provide new content online just yet. I am excited to get started but this gives me a chance to reflect, plan, test, and be intentional about the technology choices I am making for my second graders.

In an interesting turn of emotions I feel highly motivated, and to you, Lucie I am so grateful. I cannot believe how fortuitous it has been for me to be in your class at this juncture in my life and in the world today. You have been the kind of technology leader who helps us not only see potential gains from using technology but has also helped us with the critical moves of getting started. I will be forever indebted to you for your prowess and your exuberance in the field of educational technology. You are a true connector, helping me grow my support network. I have not felt scared about remote learning as many of my colleagues have been but rather invigorated by extra rest and intrepid, ready to share the knowledge you’ve provided. I have set up my first Padlet for my students (https://padlet.com/rledwidge/grade2ela) and await the go ahead to start teaching new content via technology. I’ve used ScreenCastify to show my students how to use Epic (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5oXGvxFl2sQ), and can’t wait to continue to reach them via online learning. It seems funny to have a hero whom you’ve never met in person, but Lucie you are a hero to me and to many who are benefiting greatly from your instruction. Be well, be healthy, and thank you.