On this Wednesday, April 1, episode of Sundial:
Teachers chat with us about remote online learning
As social distancing rules remain in place at least through the end of April, many parents, teachers and students in South Florida try to adjust to remote online learning.
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“I wish I knew my students were safe, not hungry and handling this together with their family,” says Alexandra Chace, who teaches gifted students at two Miami-Dade elementary schools, one in Allapattah and one in Liberty City. “At one of my schools, the majority of my students don’t speak English so communication over the phone is difficult, especially because of my limited Spanish.”
Teachers are depending on online communication to provide students with assignments and check-ins, but it has proven difficult. One of the platforms used by districts throughout the state crashed on Monday and some sites are currently working to build-out capacity for the millions that will be using them.
How long will students have to continue their education from home? On today's WLRN Sundial program, we gathered a group of teachers. Guests: Stephen Backs, who teaches history at Hialeah Gardens High School; and Sarah Lerner, an English and journalism teacher and yearbook advisor at Marjory Stoneman Douglas in Parkland. WLRN’s education reporter Jessica Bakeman also joined the program.
Cultural events around Miami during social distancing
Keeping tabs on what’s happening in the community during the time of coronavirus can be difficult. People are being urged to keep at least six feet away from each other, so how do South Floridians stay engaged with local arts, music and culture, from home?
The New Tropic, an e-mail newsletter, keeps a lot of Miamians informed with the latest cultural news. New Tropic director Lance Dixon joined Luis Hernandez on Sundial to talk about a few tips to enjoy online activities, from your couch.
Read more: Social Distancing Entertainment: Ultra Virtual Audio Festival, Virtual Movie Theaters And More
If you want to ask the WLRN Sundial a question about anything coronavirus related, send us an email at sundial@wlrnnews.org, message us on Facebook or tweet at us.
WLRN producer Chris Remington helped in the production of this episode.