PME 811- blog post #1

Reflection as a way of life- Post #1

How can I create a virtual student-centered classroom that will engage all learners?

I am currently a virtual 4th grade teacher at K12's Michigan Virtual Charter Academy. This means, I see my students remotely and teach them through a program called Black Board Collaborate. Although this way of learning most definitely has its ability to be great, it is also missing many key elements that we find in a brick and motor school. For example, we are constantly exploring ways to make our virtual classroom more innovative, creative, and engaging for students.

My goals this year as a teacher are to create more engagement (meaning all students participate in chat or on the mic during each 30 minute lesson), to create a student-centered classroom (I am still trying to determine what that looks like virtually), and to create a safe and comfortable learning environment for all students (creating more connections and opportunities for them to express themselves).

I did a quick google search and came across an article by McGraw-Hill (Jan. 25 2019) called, "5 Features of an Innovative Classroom." According to a Twitter chat #ClassroomChat conducted by teachers around the world, it was summarized that the 5 features of an innovative classroom; "the strategies that teachers are using to transform their classrooms, and the elements of change that they believe are most important to empower their learners" are as follows:

1. Supportive and Comfortable

2. Creative and Flexible

3. Accessible

4. Student-Centered

5. Fearless

In order to create a more innovative virtual classroom and achieve my personal teaching goals, I have decided to start by exploring the question:

How can I create a virtual student-centered classroom that will engage all learners?

I look forward to exploring research on student-centered classrooms and applying ideas to my virtual classroom. Stay tuned for ideas, videos of my virtual classroom, and more!

Sources:

McGraw-Hill. “5 Features of an Innovative Classroom.” Medium, Inspired Ideas, 25 Jan. 2019, medium.com/inspired-ideas-prek-12/5-features-of-an-innovative-classroom-11fe51e4753.