Molly Deming, Teacher, Eagle Academy Charter School

Molly Deming teaches Kindergarten at the Eagle Academy Charter School in the Anchorage School District (ASD). ASD made the decision to start school virtually as a result of the COVID-19 risk level and has chosen to utilize Canvas as their Learning Management System (LMS). Ms. Deming uploads her pre-recorded lesson videos to Canvas, as well as any documents or links that families will need. She uses Zoom for live sessions, to build her classroom community, and one-on-one assignments. Some other helpful tools she uses are Google Drive, YouTube, and BrainPOP Jr.

Many of Ms. Deming’s lessons are asynchronous videos that families can view on their own schedule. Ms. Deming keeps her videos short and provides several lessons for her students to watch each day, such as this video teaching students about the weather! She doesn’t edit out her mistakes, because she wants to show she isn’t perfect! Teachers make mistakes too, and mistakes are a part of learning.

Since learning is currently happening through distance education, some screen fatigue is inevitable. To keep her students engaged during their Zoom meetings Ms. Deming takes time for movement breaks. GoNoodle is her go-to website for fun brain breaks and videos that get her kids up and dancing! She also gives her students assignments that are not based on screen time, like getting outdoors and reading books.

Ms. Deming’s biggest hurdle with distance education is missing the in-person ability to get to know her students. Distance learning means she isn’t always around to watch them work, interact, or to learn their personalities. Some students’ personalities don’t come through as much on screen, and some personalities overpower Zoom sessions. Internet connectivity and technology issues add another layer of challenge.

There are good things that have emerged from the online teaching experience. Ms. Deming has new skills and tricks up her sleeve relating to technology and distance learning! Once she returns to the classroom she plans to continue using some digital tools, such as online forms, Zoom conferences, and online scheduling. She will also have a library of instructional videos that will be helpful for families wanting to enhance home learning.

Thank you, Ms. Deming, for keeping Alaska’s youngest students engaged through distance learning!