Students while working online to avoid problems

 Students may face many problems while learning remotely, since it is something new for them they change from learning physically to remotely and every change has its problems and challenges.

but, as a teacher we should know what to teach students in order to avoid these online problems.

we can help students to manage their time for online classes and for doing their assignments. besides, if we want to use new technological applications with students we need first to do more than on session to train them how to use these applications we should know that they are ready to use them in their online learning.

as a teacher I should be flexible with my students and what my philosophy of education, I am not strict with my students I can take into consideration all the circumstances.

in very single thing I should out my self in the student's place and really know that as a student I should feel that I am comfortable in my class with my teacher.

2021 A New Year

 The past two years made a big impact on our lives especially in the presence of COVID-19. Education had its part too. Teaching was shifted from physical presence inside classes towards remote learning behind digital screens. This shift had its advantages and drawbacks, however, we can focus more on its benefits by which learning became dependent more on technology and schools had to specify a certain budget for technological improvement. Students knew that iPad and smartphones had other uses that could be beneficial. We as teachers improved our own technology skills and got trained on many applications that we can use in our online teaching such as zoom, teams, google classroom and WebEx. Besides, schools had to collaborate more with parents since students became present more at homes. This collaboration was sometimes lacking in previous years. As years pass by, changes occur, but we have to always think about how we can benefit from changes so that we can move things towards our benefit and work for a better equitable education despite all challenges and difficulties

My Challenges while learning/teaching online

 online learning has many benefits for students, and the COVID-19 has changed the education to remote learning using many different ways

there are some challenges faced by students and teachers along with some suggestion to overcome them:

Student's Challenge:

1- adaptability issues in online learning It is challenging for students to adapt to virtual learning after being present physically inside classrooms. Students might find it difficult and hard to focus using the online platforms. 

• To overcome the challenge: It might be helpful to alter the content using artificial intelligence methods according to students' different needs in order to provide personalized courses to identify their weaknesses and strengths

2- Computer knowledge: A major concern nowadays is the deficiency of the computer literacy. The majority of students lack the knowledge of operating with basic computers and  face challenges in utilizing MS word and PowerPoint. When students face technical problems, they find it difficult to overcome. Virtual online classes is a perfect scenario for such difficulties, usage of online platforms, communication-related apps and browsing.

•  To overcome this challenge: students must be given the complete support in order to be able to became confident and knowledgeable in utilizing technology-related devices and platforms and solve technical problems related to them. They have to have available immediate support via email, call or live chat.

3- Learning Style

Students got used to learning in the actual physical classroom. Online learning can allow one to adapt to the variable styles of learning. Some students are able to adapt to these different style easily, but what about those who couldn't. Such students may lack concentration, might become unable to understand the virtual classes, and might face difficulties in creating projects and assignments via technological tools. 

• To overcome this challenge: For aiming at better learning results, it is essential to understand the different learning styles of students and adapt the lesson plans according to them. Through class interactions, visual aids and presentations, using audio in classes, and written notes.

1-Engaging students
students are going towards virtual learning, and it becomes more challenging for both teachers and students to adjust to the learning platform. online teaching may not promote students to engage and stay fully in the class. students can be easily distracted and might lose concentration during the virtual lessons.

• To overcome this challenge: You need to understand that online and virtual learning has lots of benefits in relation to tools, interesting and engaging platforms for students. Including these tools and using multiple types of learning approaches (podcasts, videos, teaching channels, various forms of discussions, various forms of representation, and different assessment methods (tests, quizzes, assignments and projects). This approach is complementary with the universal design for learning approach.

2-fears of cheating: Teachers might feel concerned about students cheating inside the classroom. They might cheat to get better results in tests and assignments. 

• To overcome this challenge: there are several ways that teachers can follow in order to enhance the integrity of online learning. Students should be allowed to take exams in accordance with their own convenience, and assigners must not be forced on students. On another hand, there must be a mutual trust relationship built between the teacher and the students, and it is the teacher's responsibility to tell students that it is not always a matter of grade but it is the matter of how they can work to improve their selves.

PSS (psychosocial support )

 is a process of facilitating resilience within individuals, families and communities by respecting the independence, dignity and coping mechanisms of individuals and communities.

it can be provided by health care personal and incorporated into the care provided inn hospitals and clinics and school tool. it is very important to depend (PSS) as a subject at schools.

School psychologists support school accountability efforts through assessments. testing is a hot-button issue on today's schools. School psychologists are expected to help generate useful data through assessments that would help identify critical areas for academic improvement.

education settings brings children and their peers, parents, families, and communities together they can help create a supportive environment that promotes improved psychosocial wellbeing

How to be a digital citizen?

 If you once tried to google yourself, you will be surprised by the search results you would get. The digital footprint is there keeping a record of everything done when online. Whether it is on social media, or a personal or work website, browsing or search history, subscriptions, and any photo galleries or videos that were uploaded online. Anything online can be tracked by others. To be a digital citizen, it is essential to be aware of how to protect personal information, and how to use good reactions with others. While posting on social media, commenting on others’ posts, or sending emails, one must be aware of how to practice good digital citizenship. One must protect their privacy and not overshare everything online. Besides, one must protect others’ privacy and treat others the way they would like to be treated online. It is essential to take permission before downloading or sharing others’ posts or pictures. 

We all heard about the mysterious stories about the spread of COVID and the strange medical recipes on how to cure it. It was so easy to spread on social media how bananas can prevent COVID and how drinking cumin before sleep can prevent COVID spread. Sharing and spreading information is easy through social media, however, a good digital citizen must make sure what to share to avoid spreading misinformation. It is essential to check the facts before posting or sharing. 

In the end, it is helpful to be respectful while online, be authentic and post the content that reflects you, engage with others, and think twice before posting online since you are sharing it forever

Tools that can be used in online assessment

 Nowadays remote learning is taking place specially in Lebanon. there are many tools that can be used to help recruiter's test aptitude, cognitive ability, commination and many other skills.

for example:

1- Socrative is a quiz based, formative assessment tool with multiple features that can enrich teaching and learning. teachers can do their own quizzes, it makes the classroom more effective and engaged.

2- google form is very quick and easy to create.it is used to create short quizzes like multiple choices questions so students can answer with short answers. it s very helpful in remote learning too.

3- mentimeter it is an interactive presentation, it can be used to measure the student's knowledge by doing a quick quiz

Intergrating Technology Into Teaching

 What is technology integrating into teaching?

technology integrating is the use of technology tools in general content areas in education in order to allow students to apply computer and technology skills to learning and problem solving. the technology should be a part in the teacher's lesson planning, the degree of success achieved by teachers in the class as they attempt to engage students in learning activities using technological strategies. we have many ways that teachers can in integrating technology into their classroom:

1- making use of gamily learning.

gaming has became a part of student's life specially in classroom. the gamification is very important strategy to use nowadays that helps students engage in learning in an entertainment way.

for example: as a teacher i can challenge students with questions related to my lesson using google form, students will stay more engaged to win

2- building lesson plans using differentiated instructions and technology, so teachers can use different strategies to prepare their lesson plan.

3- create a classroom blog. it is a professional way to inspire students and keep them engaged in classroom activities. blogs are very helpful in teaching reading, writing, listening and other subjects.

for example, i can create blog with a title, a topic, and introduction paragraph and let each student to add a section while staying on topic, in this way students can share their ideals together and can comment to each other

4- using social media as a teaching tool since we are using remote learning in Lebanon, using social media can be the best way to stay connected with students