Our school has been using online learning since the mid-1990s when we became one of the first to sign up for VHS Learning. Since then, we’ve expanded our use of the program and involved more students. Here are four tips for success that I’ve learned along the way, and that other schools can use to get the most out of their online learning partners: 1. Involve all types of learners. Online learning isn’t just for high-performing students who want to earn more credits or expand their learning horizons. We use it for learners of all levels, and it can serve as a successful alternative for strugg ..read more

While the pandemic accelerated the demand for virtual learning, it’s clear that online pedagogy is now an integral part of an educator’s toolbox. As part of this shift to hybrid or virtual learning models, today’s educators face a new set of demands – it’s not just about teaching the curriculum; it’s about understanding and leveraging the tools that make learning possible and beneficial.  As many of our interactions move online or become increasingly integrated with the digital world, teachers and the universities that prepare them need to shift as well. Expanding Possibilities with In-P ..read more

I have been teaching at traditional and charter schools for the past 18 years, and I remain encouraged by the determination of the students I serve, even when faced with the challenges we’ve seen over the past several years due to the pandemic. It’s a humbling experience to be a part of their academic journey, knowing that in some way I played a role in their success. To provide positive and meaningful experiences for students makes me feel honored to be an educator. Like many of my peers, however, the onset of COVID-19 showed me it was time to make changes in my career and put my needs first ..read more

Heading back to school can be an exciting yet challenging time for students, teachers, and parents alike. While many school systems are returning to full in-person learning, some students are taking advantage of virtual or hybrid learning models their school may offer. Hybrid learning serves as a great option for students–however, in the early days of pandemic virtual learning, teachers noticed the need for stronger tools and resources in order for them to create the best possible learning experience. With the hybrid learning model here to stay, many teachers are continuing to struggle with k ..read more

In this episode of Innovations in Education, hosted by Kevin Hogan: 3 ways telepresence robots are impacting learning How to ensure digital equity in online testing Blended and hybrid learning–the future of education ..read more

This school year marked the first “almost normal” school year since the 2018-19 school year. Most began the school year with mask mandates, and many quarantined entire classes or grades due to COVID-19 outbreaks, but schools remained open and students filled classrooms. The fact remains that learning is forever changed. The pandemic highlighted vast inequities in communities across the nation, teacher burnout increased tenfold, and the issue of students’ learning preferences–in school, hybrid, or online–attracted more debate. A series of factsheets from the Clayton Christensen Institute explo ..read more

Blended and hybrid learning models are life-changing for many students, extending personalized and flexible learning options to select individuals or groups. But with onset of the pandemic, widespread adoption of blended and hybrid models suddenly became a necessity across all student populations. Two years later, how have districts overcome the initial challenges and applied the lessons learned to re-imagine teaching and learning and develop an innovative vision for change in their school communities? Join eSchool News for a panel discussion with leaders and educators who share a passion for ..read more

Had I been asked what I thought about online teaching two years ago, I would probably have given you quite an earful of the many known shortcomings of virtual teaching modalities, including the challenges to student engagement and community building. Ask me now and my answer could not be more different. Amid the latest push for a return to in-person teaching, many instructors have been adamant about the advantages of digital classrooms and look forward to continuing teaching online in a post-pandemic world. I am one of them. I teach sociology at CUNY, the largest urban university in the U.S ..read more

Blended and hybrid learning models were first introduced to extend personalized and flexible learning options to selected individuals or groups of students. But with onset of the pandemic, widespread adoption of blended and hybrid models suddenly became a necessity across all student populations. Two years later, how have districts overcome the initial challenges and applied the lessons learned to re-imagine teaching and learning and develop an innovative vision for change in their school communities? Join eSchool News for a panel discussion with leaders and educators who share a passion for ..read more

Over the past two years, education systems across the nation have been challenged with oscillating shifts, from classroom learning to remote and online learning, and even hybrid approaches, due to COVID-19 precautions and responsiveness. Amid these ongoing changes, educators reimagined the ways they engaged with their students, and many turned to museums and other community organizations for support to better understand how to leverage our collections, educational resources, and expertise creatively for their students. For the community of more than 300 museum educators at the Smithsonian, th ..read more