Remote Instruction
Recent Newsletter Articles
Desmos: Interactive and Engaging Online Instruction
At the start of my virtual instruction journey in 2020, I tried out several instructional tools to make my online synchronous instruction more engaging than a talking head and a PowerPoint. Desmos is the only one I’m still using three years later. Originally built for math instruction, Desmos is a virtual instructional tool that allows you, the teacher, to build interactive practice for students, accessible via a link or code, and lets you see each student’s work live as they are doing it. Read More
What is Pear Deck and How Can I Use it in My Classroom?
Pear Deck is a digital tool that allows teachers to create interactive activities for students in online and in-person classes. It is accessible as an add-on when using Google Slides and works seamlessly with Google Suites, allowing teachers to use it as an asynchronous or synchronous teaching tool. Pear Deck offers a paid version and a free version; this article focuses on the free version and using Pear Deck as an online teaching tool, even though it is perfectly adaptable to in-person teaching as well. Read More
Using Nearpod in the ABE Classroom
Nearpod is a great tool that makes any lesson interactive, whether in the classroom, virtual, or a combination of the two. In this article, ABE Teacher Polina Huffman shares how and why to use Nearpod in the ABE classroom. Read More
Project-Based Learning in Action: How to Be a Successful Online Student – Part 2
Instructor Dan Bruski describes how he led his low-intermediate ESL students through a project-based learning activity around composing a list of rules and expectations for their online class. The culmination of the lesson was the creation of a video on "How to be a successful online student," which has an authentic use for orienting new students. Read More
Project-Based Learning in Action: How to Be a Successful Online Student – Part 1
Instructor Dan Bruski describes how he led his low-intermediate ESL students through a project-based learning activity around composing a list of rules and expectations for their online class. The culmination of the lesson was the creation of a video on "How to be a successful online student," which has an authentic use for orienting new students. Read More
HyFlex in Minnesota ABE: What Is It, Who Needs It, and How Does It Work? – Part 2
One of the many conundrums facing Minnesota ABE is how to meet both the needs of adult learners who prefer to learn at a distance and those who want to learn in-person – and all at a time when ABE resources are stretched thin, and public health recommendations change rapidly. HyFlex offers an educational model that can meet the needs and preferences of learners in a flexible, effective manner. Read More
HyFlex in Minnesota ABE: What Is It, Who Needs It, and How Does It Work? – Part 1
One of the many conundrums facing Minnesota ABE is how to meet both the needs of adult learners who prefer to learn at a distance and those who want to learn in-person – and all at a time when ABE resources are stretched thin, and public health recommendations change rapidly. HyFlex offers an educational model that can meet the needs and preferences of learners in a flexible, effective manner. Read More
Remote Instruction Observation Tool
Learn about a new remote instruction observation tool that can be used to provide structure for observations and reflective conversations to support quality remote instruction. (Reprinted here with permission, this article originally appeared in the World Education Ed Tech Center Tech Tips Blog.) Read More
Using Individual Meetings to Foster Student Ownership
When learning moved online in 2020, I found that my students were not as actively engaging in their learning or owning their learning goals. I was inspired by individual meetings that take place during literacy center rotations in many K-6 classrooms. I adapted this idea to the online environment and have continued to use it as we have transitioned back in person. Read More
Using a Learning Management System (LMS): Coffee Break Takeaways
The "Using an LMS" Coffee Break session allowed for a discussion among ABE professionals about the benefits of a Learning Management System (LMS), various LMS platforms used in ABE programs in Minnesota, and other topics. Teachers noted that using an LMS takes some effort up front to establish; however, the outcome is immeasurable for student learning, engagement, and success. Read More