@Enoughnowstop
Sound quality, acoustics, background noise, trying to address two different audiences, take questions from the room and also keep up with chat or 'hands up' on the screen.Do share your secrets about how to make this work fine. I honestly would like to know
So the alternative is that kids are sitting at home for 14 days at a time, perfectly well and have no possibility of interaction with their teachers? Or that teachers are sitting at home for 14 days a time, perfectly well, whilst their classes are taught by a supply teacher with a specialism in a different subject or key stage? It’s not perfect. But it is what we have at the current time.
If the school wants to provide remote learning, it has a responsibility to ensure that staff are trained
Agreed. But we are professional people and there is plenty of support online to help with the basics. There is nothing complicated about Teams if you are used to using a computer every day. A bit of trial and error will overcome most issues. Are we seriously saying teachers are unable to take some personal responsibility and just test it out?
how is pointing out that many families don't have even Broadband so can't access remote learning even if their school lends them Tech making 'excuses'?
This is a massive sticking point. Huge. Needs millions throwing at it to solve. Are we justified in not providing online support to those who can access lessons because some children can’t?
No. The alternative is that it's recognised that this is, as
Jane says, at it's best 'not bad'.
It isn't the quality teaching that most children need to fully engage with school and do their best by the time public exams come round. The social problems for the children caught up in this shit storm have only just started - there will be repercussions for the rest of their life for some of them.
It's even less than 'not bad' for children who either don't have tech at home, have others in the house with multiple demands on a shonky internet connection or don't have an internet connection at all.
And properly addressing the attainment gap, the increased emotional and psychological needs in school, the challenges of a diminished school experience etc.
We agree that if schools want teachers to use a particular technology they need to provide the training. There needs to be training in safeguarding etc specific to your own institution if you're working with children.
I think our children's education, welfare and safety are worth more than a quick YouTube webinar, don't you?
And yes the attainment gap, poverty and deprivation needs millions spent on it, as does the education system that has been systematically underfunded for 10 years.
In terms of 'justifications', fortunately state schools work on a premise that all children are entitled to an education and use their (badly depleted) resources as best they can.
Are we justified in thinking 'tough' to children from disadvantaged background, your education doesn't actually matter?
I don't think we are.
Are we justified in blaming teachers and school for government short-comings, incompetence and short-sightedness.
Again, I don't think we are but appreciate that this is a minority view on MN.