How Technology is Changing Education (in the 2020-2021 School Year)
For the first time that I can remember, I have time that is undivided with one student almost every day. Since he is the only 4th-grader in our small class, the time he spends in small groups is by himself. He is one out of 6. I review math concepts with him: 3-digit addition and subtraction, multiplication and division world problems, area model. When we have done a certain number of problems together, he wants to talk to me about video games, Pokémon, and what his Granny is sending him in the mail next week. If we were in person, I would probably have to redirect him quickly, to say, "Okay, let's get back to work." But since we have been remote since August, and he has done his work, I allow him to talk about the things he loves. I engage in conversation with him and contribute what I can. I hope he feels like I'm listening to him, like I care. Because I am; I do. Because of the pandemic, technology has changed education irrevocably. Next year, school will most l...