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Teens and Teachers, Tell Us How Digital Learning Is Going
By
Shumita Basu
Published Mar 17, 2020
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Bebeto Matthews/AP/Shutterstock
By
Shumita Basu
Published Mar 17, 2020
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With New York City public schools eyeing a system-wide move to virtual learning next week in an attempt to slow the spread of COVID-19, over one million students and hundreds of thousands of teachers and staff are thinking about how to shift their routines. For many educators, today marks the first day of training on how to execute the remaining school year online.
Schools Chancellor Richard Carranza says the city is buying 25,000 laptop devices a day to distribute to students who lack one at home, and the city is coordinating with Apple to acquire more technology. The goal is to make sure every student has a device by the end of this week.
There is so much more to consider, from broadband to kids with special needs to meals to the long-term impact of this unique attempt at home schooling. But we want to hear from you, especially if you’re a teenager or a teacher affected by this. Here are some questions to get you started:
High schoolers: You’re facing weeks away from school, possibly longer if officials decide to extend online learning past April 20th. When did you first realize the coronavirus was a big deal? How would you describe life now? How are things different for you this week compared to last week?
Teachers: Shifting to online teaching is a huge move for any school system to undertake. What are your biggest concerns? What do you need to be successful with online teaching? What do your students need?
Leave us a voicemail at 646-470-7736, or record a voice memo and email it to us at [email protected] (here’s a handy guide on how to do that). Don’t forget to include your name, your school, and how we can get in touch with you. Your message may be used on the air or quoted online by Gothamist/WNYC.
And a note, from your neighborhood radio journalists: Don’t worry about “scripting” what you want to say – really, it sounds better if you’re speaking off the cuff. Make a few bullet points if you don’t want to forget what to say. And if you can, try to find a quiet space to record yourself, preferably with non-reflective surfaces (think couches, rugs, or a bed heaped with blankets).
If you prefer to speak privately to a journalist, with a tip or a concern, and you don’t want your name out there, reach us on WhatsApp or Signal: (646) 965-1864. (It’s encrypted and secure.)
Educators and students, we are in uncharted territory here. Sharing your perspective can help highlight what’s going well, what needs to be addressed, and what we are collectively feeling. We hope you’ll help us document this extraordinary moment.
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COVID-19
coronavirus
Shumita Basu
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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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