Here We Go Again, Virtual Learning 2.0

Remember when we gave tips about virtual learning back in the spring? Well, here we are again! We’re calling this Virtual Learning 2.0! I know those of us who started school in a traditional setting were very hopeful that we would remain in the traditional setting; however, many school systems across our country are facing revisiting virtual learning. Use this article as your guide for virtual learning 2.0.

Virtual Learning and Academic Needs

If there’s one thing we regretted last year, it was the fact that we didn’t have a Google Classroom set up. Believe me, that was the FIRST thing we did this year! Our pearl loving friend from California, Teyanna Walker, told us about some other Google tools in this podcast episode. This is particularly helpful to our high school counselors!

Think about your schedule. What will your schedule be in the event of virtual learning?
– Will you have a scheduled time that students will need to join your lesson?
– Should your lessons be re-recorded and posted in your Google Classroom?
– Will you join the teacher’s class time?

What about small groups? If you are currently running small groups, you have some decisions to make. Will you try to continue those after a transition to virtual learning? Remember confidentiality concerns. If you continue small groups, you may want to keep the meeting content general rather than focusing on specific issues the students may be experiencing. There is no way to ensure who might be overhearing the conversations other students might be sharing during your online small group meetings.

Another academic area to discuss is paperwork. What is the status of your special education referrals? If you are in charge of paperwork for your problem solving teams or RTI, is that in order? What about your 504 plans? Do those need updating or completing?

Communication During Virtual Learning

How will your students contact you in the event of virtual learning? Here are a few options:
– First, make sure you post your office hours on your email signature. Try your best to stick to those hours because, as we learned in the spring, it is very difficult to create boundaries when our home space blends in with our office space!
– Consider posting a “I Need to See the Counselor” form wherever you share lessons or other forms of communication. This will let you know when a student needs some extra attention.
– You could also create a virtual meeting room using Zoom/Google/or whatever virtual meeting format you use. Zoom, for example, has rooms that you could use to host multiple students in a confidential one on one setting.

Child Safety Needs

One of the most difficult things about virtual learning is thinking about how we can take care of our students from a distance, particularly those students with safety needs. Do you have students who need food while not in a traditional setting? Make a plan with a team that may include your administrator, cafeteria supervisor, churches, or anyone who is instrumental in providing food. How will you distribute food? Consider getting teacher input on which students may need extra food over an extended time away from school.

Think about the status of any reports you have filed or need to file with Child Protective Services. You may also want to call your local social worker to discuss the status of open cases and which students may need some extra attention during the time at home.

As much as we hate to think about loss, this would be a great time to put a grief protocol into place. Make a plan on how you will support students if they experience a significant loss during a season of virtual learning. Don’t forget to use your advisory council if you need them. They can be instrumental in providing food or other types of support in the event of a loss.

Speaking of providing for students’ needs, this is the time of the year where many school counselors are the gatekeepers of the holiday season. Are you responsible for providing a holiday meal or gifts for students? Stay in contact with those families and any sponsors who are purchasing gifts. Be clear on when and where to drop the gifts or food off, and when and where they can be picked up.

Love the Students While You Have Them

One of the most heartbreaking phrases we heard repeatedly in March was, “I thought I’d have more time!” We never thought the school year would just end abruptly. Many of us longed to give out more hugs, high-fives, smiles, and words of wisdom. If your school hasn’t gone virtual this year, take this time to love the students (from a safe, social distance) while you can. This tip should be true for every year. We never know when a student may transfer without warning. If March taught us anything, it’s that we are not guaranteed tomorrow! Just let that be an admonition to love your students while you can.

What have you learned about virtual learning? Share your best tips with us!