An Interesting Online Learning Experiment

Is it possible to do online learning, when the students are in the classroom but the teacher is not?

I have embarked on an interesting experiment in online learning. At least for me, it is. 

My old employer asked me if I could assist them in certain subjects with online learning. The concept would switch the classroom around. The students will be present with their Chromebooks in the classroom as usual.

But the teacher (me) will not. I will be sitting some 500 kilometres away in my home office in Germany. 

This is an interesting experience. During the pandemic, most of us teachers tried to do online learning sessions. The results have been of a mixed variety for most of us.

I definitely could see some potential issues.

But this here is a little different.

Ok, granted. In the beginning, there will still be teachers present in the classroom. The students will need some help. For instance with technical issues.

What is also different, is my relationship with the school. I am not an employed teacher there. I will be a contractor.

Online Learning Offers Many Future Perspectives

Who knows. This might show to be an interesting middle ground for blended classrooms in the future. We need to stay open and dare to experiment a bit. I see a lot of potential here.

For schools, it might pave the way to cover certain subjects. For instance, if they cannot find teachers in their local area. Here in Denmark, it is hard to find qualified German or French teachers, for example. Despite the fact that third language subjects are mandatory.

Instead, they could hire a teacher from Germany, without any of them needing to move location.

For teachers, it could also be a way to grant some extra independence. They are contractors, after all. They will not have the same obligation to the leadership as other staff.

I am excited. My first lesson is next week. 

I have decided to use Google Classroom as the main platform for this purpose. It is probably the best platform for my needs.