Teaching is one of the most profoundly physical professions I can think of. That may sound weird—what’s so physical about sharing information with people? But when I think of what it takes to teach a class, particularly a class of children or teenagers, I think about
Saying hello and looking at the students as they arrive
Walking through the room to look at students’ work
Listening to small groups work together on projects
Reading the room to see how the lesson is landing
Bending to a seated child’s level to be able to look into their eyes
Noticing a student’s new silence
Hearing whispers in a corner
Seeing the smile that means “I got it!”
Many of these moments are woven into the fabric of the school day, some so tightly that it’s hard to pull them out or see them as special. But many of these same moments are lost, or harder to access, when teaching moves online.
As many teachers and students are preparing for a new school year to take place at least partially online, I wonder about these missed moments of physical presence.
Ignite CSP has been working for months with professionals in many fields who are moving their work and communication online. This week, we are launching a workshop series with JB Media Institute that is specifically for teachers. This is a live, interactive class, covering topics like 3D versus 2D communication, online teaching technology Q&A, and examples of online teaching strategies that work.
If you’re a teacher or you know someone who is, and this seems valuable, please join us.
