5th January 2021
Following the government’s announcement of the national lockdown requiring schools to move to online learning, our Partnership and Development team, consisting of teachers and school leaders, have come up with some helpful tips to assist a smooth transition from classroom-based learning to online learning.
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Use a school Teams/Zoom/Google online account to carry out any online learning and make sure you have checked the security settings. You should check with your line manager at school if you are unclear about any of this before beginning |
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Ensure you have read and understood any of the online safeguarding material provided by the school. If you haven’t been sent anything, check the school website’s policies pages and ensure you are clear that you know how to ensure the safety of both your pupils and yourself. Make sure you know who the school’s designated safeguarding lead is and what the procedure is for reporting any concerns |
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Set your camera up in such a way so that there is nothing in the background which could compromise you as a teaching professional or that you would just rather your pupils did not see. This could include:
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Double-check that your technology is working beforehand and, if you are sharing your screen, be careful to close any windows or tabs which could compromise you as a teaching professional or that you would just rather your pupils did not see. This is particularly important when it comes to school emails which may contain sensitive and confidential information |
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Ensure you are delivering the learning materials in a way which allows students the best opportunity to retain key information. Additionally, create opportunities in each session for students to demonstrate their progress either through live responses or emailing work immediately. As much as possible, attempt to make the learning engaging and interesting to ensure the best possible outcomes for the students. |
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Follow the curriculum as indicated by your head of subject or key phase. Provide that person with regular updates of your progress to reassure them the students in your care on track with their learning. |
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It’s important to follow the school’s policy with regard to absenteeism and ensure you are aware of the protocol within your department / year group for getting catch-up work to anyone who misses online learning time |
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Ensure you engage with any allocated communication time with those responsible for the wellbeing of the pupils in your care to provide updates around learning as well as to discuss any concerns that arise. Staff responsible could include:
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Ensure you dress appropriately for timetabled sessions as per any guidance provided by the school/academy. If none is forthcoming then make sure you ask what the general expectations are. Most will be flexible on usual attire but all will still expect a certain level of professionalism in how you present yourself. |
We’ve shared a guide to stress-free remote learning which is full of tips and free resources for teachers and students to help support home-based learning. Don’t forget to follow us on twitter to stay up to date with the latest from Engage and the education sector!
If you are worried, anxious or struggling, support is available. Find out how to access 24/7 help and advice from Education Support UK
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