Remote school. One way to face the Coronavirus emergency and not stop teaching and training activities. A challenge for teachers and pupils in these difficult weeks. Distance teaching solicits the teaching staff and pursues the social task of "teaching", but reveals some difficulties.
Distance learning: when the school does not stop
2020, here in Italy, opened with the news of the Coronavirus epidemic. These are difficult days and weeks. The cities seem suspended, with a broken breath and the prevailing silence. This is the time of smart working and distance learning (because yes, the school does not stop). There are thousands of students who come to the platforms every day to continue studying and just as many teachers who continue with their training. Many obstacles, sometimes impediments, an unstable connection and the lack of real contact. There school is the place for meeting and learning, but also for the community and the sense of belonging. In this dimension, the challenge is great and there is a need, more than ever, to strengthen relationships.
The need, again, to maintain and build a social fabric capable of helping each other and of gaining strength. The school, in fact, has a very difficult task. Must do from social glue, support its students and support them. Understanding, again, and avoiding the isolation of the most fragile subjects. The interaction between teachers and students is very important. A thoughtful interaction, made up of constructions and choices. There has been a lot of debate on assigning tasks. A difficult choice that hides some pitfalls. Some students don't own a printer, some don't even have a computer, and many use a smartphone. Recently, again, there has been discussion of thegraduation exam. In this case, if you do not return between the desks, they will be carried out through a single oral exam. The teamwork, even among the students themselves.
Not just students: that is, when teachers and parents also need help
The teacher is called to make shared choices, but, in turn, he needs valid support. Many teachers are not accustomed to technology and to preparation of slides, videos and other telematic material, which can often involve double work. In this case, the teaching team must support, define a design and avoid overloads. The other side of the coin is the parents.
In some family contexts, in fact, the stress due to the Coronavirus emergency is combined with the coexistence of several children and perhaps only one computer. Distance learning cannot replace real lessons, but it can, in this context take care of the relationship with the children in a splendid reciprocity. There are many obstacles and even more things to improve, but there is no lack of support. A support that can be achieved by everyone; parents, teachers and pupils. A great challenge and a great responsibility, with the wish to meet again and to return to normal soon.
# Italian in the heart
