Choosing learning activities
It is each school’s decision whether to run learning at home online, in hard copy or a combination of both, depending on the school’s readiness and the availability of technology in homes.
Finding a balance
There should always be a balance of activities that can be done online and in other forms.
Offering choices
Some students may not be able to get through the set work due to parents juggling their work and other children’s learning needs. Giving students choice in what task they do, when and how they demonstrate their learning will give families flexibility.
Recording direct instruction videos
Teachers will need to consider the scheduling of ‘online times’ or live lessons and the ability for students to be online at specific times. If you run live lessons, consider also making a pre-recording for students who won’t be able to join in.
Using and adapting existing resources
There are a wide range of online resources available for teachers to use on Teaching and learning resources.
Teachers are also encouraged to use the department's Internet filtering-web filter (access via staff portal) to determine the appropriateness of digital resources provided to students.
Creating digital learning activities
These activities can be delivered to students using email, USB drives or online platforms.
- Create stimulus and interactive material (documents, slide decks, quizzes, videos, images, audio).
- Record lessons similar to Wootube.
- Create screen captures using tools such as Adobe Presenter.
- Add quizzes to videos using MS Stream.
Many face-to-face activities can be replaced by simple online activities. Refer to the Digital learning Selector for suggested activities, templates and instructions.
Supporting students to work offline
Regardless of technology access in the home students will benefit from non-digital learning activities. You can provide printed and digital material via post or organise no contact delivery or collection.
Textbooks, photocopies of reference materials, curriculum, and assignments can be prepared for distribution to affected students. As well as hard copy you can produce digital files and kits to be delivered. Examples include:
- worksheets
- calendars or schedules of work to be completed
- directions for homework, projects, or written assignments
- excerpts from textbooks or other reading materials
- sample assessments.
Digital material can be sent to students on a USB drive (where available). You may need to provide extra equipment such as pencils, paper, learning kits or workbooks.