Every crisis presents an opportunity. The success or failure of the educational journey our young people have been on over the past few months may depend on how we behave and react right now. For that reason, it is worth reflecting on how this crisis has helped us appreciate what we once took for granted.
During this period, students missed going to class, listening to and interacting with their teachers in person, and sharing coffee with their friends during breaks between classes. But they have also learned to be more independent, to manage their study time, to work in groups while maintaining social distancing, and to prepare for potential future forms of remote work.
Through hard work and trial and error, teachers have learned to use a variety of educational technology tools. They are now utilizing resources they previously didn’t dare to use or weren’t familiar with. We have seen creativity emerge and imagination be stretched—as is often the case in challenging situations.
This is a time of profound change. Many of the practices we are currently using are likely here to stay. For that reason, it is worth taking a closer look at what we have learned from online education and what we can continue to implement and apply in in-person education.
Lesson 1: You don't have to change everything
The key, whether in face-to-face or online classes, is to find ways to make the courses work to the greatest benefit of the students.
It is not a matter of simply copying what was done in the in-person setting and transferring it to the virtual environment—or vice versa—but rather of critically assessing which aspects work well and are appropriate for each format, as well as clearly identifying what can be improved and enhanced.
There is no need to devise a new program; rather, we should redesign and adapt the content, activities, interactions, and assessment to the reality in which we are immersed.
And, above all, making the classroom a pleasant and challenging place to be. Creating an environment where students feel comfortable plays a crucial role in learning.
Lesson 2: The Importance of Planning
“Failing to plan is planning to fail,” said Dr. Alejandro Armellini—Dean of Learning and Teaching at the University of Northampton—in an interview conducted by Dr. Denise Vaillant—academic secretary of the Institute of Education at Universidad ORT Uruguay.
A well-planned course will enhance student learning: a clear design boosts the teacher's confidence and is an investment of time that pays off in the form of educational quality.
For this reason, it is essential to first define the learning objectives, select the content to be covered, propose meaningful learning activities, and determine the assessment method, ensuring consistency across all these elements.
Lesson 3: The Flipped Classroom, a New Way to Learn
One thing that distance learning has highlighted is the importance of the flipped classroom: a model that aims to reverse traditional teaching roles in order to maximize class time and engage in meaningful learning activities.
Instead of the teacher being responsible for presenting the material, this approach allows students to prepare before class using materials that are typically provided through educational platforms.
The classroom time is then used to apply what was previously studied, to complete exercises, solve problems, discuss topics, or address questions. In this way, the flipped classroom promotes students’ independent learning and the development of higher-order thinking skills.
This is a key model that breaks away from the traditional lecture format and transforms the teacher’s role from that of an information provider to a facilitator of learning.
But the flipped classroom also has other advantages. Since the materials are available online, students have greater flexibility to access them as often as they like and spend as much time on them as they need, depending on their individual needs.
Lesson 4: Reaping the Benefits of Technology
Technology can facilitate and promote more dynamic and active classes. The time teachers spend thinking about how they want to foster learning in their students will be time well spent.
At first, it is essential to use the resources with which teachers feel most familiar and comfortable, and then gradually experiment with and try incorporating new tools.
Understanding the various options broadens the range of choices available, allowing you to select the one that best suits your teaching needs. It also enables students to engage in a different kind of educational experience.
Lesson 5: The Importance of Interaction
The final lesson that became clear during this time of crisis was the importance of learning from others and alongside others.
It is essential to foster collaboration and communication between students and teachers. Tools that promote group work are extremely useful, as they enhance a sense of belonging and encourage social interaction. Case studies, role-playing, and group presentations, among other activities, are effective ways to facilitate learning through interactive communication.
At the same time, learning from colleagues’ experiences is a valuable resource when it comes to innovating in teaching. Their advice, successes, and mistakes serve as a model and allow us to learn from their practices so that we can apply or adapt them to our own contexts.
In any case, teachers must serve as facilitators of learning—both individual and group—to promote student learning.