The newest terrible idea
It’s well understood in digital learning circles that emergency remote instruction during the pandemic was both the best option when schools had to be closed, and a bad reflection on learning online. District and school leaders, teachers, and everyone else did the best they could on short notice, but it’s clear that emergency remote instruction was neither highly successful nor did it represent, in most cases, best practices in online instruction.
We’re now seeing the first of what may be a new trend that would be an even worse reflection on online learning.
The Columbus (OH) school district is facing a teachers’ strike, and is planning to shift to online instruction using substitute teachers.
(Before I write further about this, I want to be clear that nothing I’m writing is intended as commentary on the legitimacy of the strike, the district response in general, or any other union/management issues. I haven’t look into the details of the strike, and in any case I have never dug into work disputes in education.)
From a Columbus Dispatch article on August 11:
Columbus City Schools announced plans Thursday for remote learning using non-union substitute teachers if the Columbus Education Association follows through on its formal notice to the State Employment Relations Board to strike if it does not reach a new contract agreement before school starts Aug. 24.
If the CEA does set up picket lines, the district will move to “synchronous and asynchronous remote learning” and the district’s buildings will be closed to students and community members, according to information on a district webpage Superintendent Talisa Dixon sent to district families Thursday afternoon.
“The District Administration will send parents and students correspondence regarding the procedures to begin the remote learning program before the first day of school,” according to the district.
Did anyone think this was going to go well? If they did, they’ve been proven wrong. From an article on August 24:
Columbus City Schools superintendent Talisa Dixon admits 'technology challenges'
Columbus City Schools Superintendent Talisa Dixon on Wednesday morning said the district has had "technology challenges" and asked for patience.
“We know this is not ideal,” Dixon said. “We know our families are stressed and not happy with the decisions to move forward, but we have to open up schools and provide additional supports to our students and our families. I understand their frustrations. I am very optimistic that we will resolve this as soon as possible to get them back in school face-to-face with their teachers.”
As mentioned earlier, I have no position on the labor dispute in Columbus. But I do have a position on how digital learning advocates should react, if asked.
This is not online instruction.
This is unlikely to produce learning gains in students.
“Addressing labor disputes” should not be among the reasons that a district considers adding digital learning options.
Aside from work stoppages, other circumstances arise (snow days, natural disasters, pandemics, etc.) where teachers and students may not be able to meet in person. Districts would benefit by being prepared with a plan for transitioning to high quality online learning options in these situations. Providing all teachers, families, and stakeholders with communication plans and some training, based on researched best practices, for teaching and learning in online learning environments are a necessity for ensuring continuity of learning during these temporary circumstances.