The whole reason we’re in school is academics. But most of us aren’t in school right now. With the second part of our academic ideas tip, we’re continuing our 2021 coverage series, this week focusing on virtual learning.
The Zoom era
You may have noticed last week’s post didn’t include any Zoom-type coverage ideas. With the prevalence of online learning and video teleconferences, we felt it needed its own Tuesday Tip.
1. Zoom selfies – This is a no-brainer. Snap screenshots of students meeting via Zoom, Google Meet or the video service your school uses (Tip: have each of your staffers do this in their other classes and ask teachers to submit shots too). Run screenshots for an entire academic spread; consider placing them in a computer monitor or laptop graphic for an extra design boost.
Zoom coverage, Shawnee Heights High School, 2020
2. Funny stories – What goofy things happened? Any embarrassing moments? Humorous ones?
3. Technical snafus – Virtual learning comes with the obligatory technical challenges. An infographic could display poll results of the most common pitfalls. Add quotes for a personal connection.
4. Bueller? Bueller? – One of the dilemmas of online instruction is the lack of interaction. Talk to teachers about online obstacles with video communication. On the opposite end, ask students about their camera decisions (be conscious that some online learners may have cameras off because of a lack of privacy.)
5. Match the ceiling fan – Take a fun approach to the camera shy. Create an interactive quiz, matching ceilings and fans to the corresponding student. If some offer a partial face, consider a foreheads and eyebrows matching quiz.
6. Zoom fatigue – If there’s one thing we’ve learned from the pandemic, virtual learning is exhausting. Consider a whole spread about this relevant topic
7. Surprising benefits – In contrast, what’s the upside to virtual classes and video meetings? This could be a module or an entire spread, possibly a typographical layout with cool fonts and colors or cutouts and mugs with the answers.
8. Fun background options – One of the pluses of online classes is getting to goof around with your background. Feature different students and the fun choices they make.
9. Analyzing backgrounds – We’re curious animals. Turn that fascination to the objects behind students in virtual meetings. Have online learners share stories behind the paintings, posters and books around them.
Backgrounds in virtual meetings, spread idea by Kel Lemons/Balfour
10. Digital tools – What tech tools are teachers using to keep online classes engaging? Feature Kahoot, Quizlet Live, Poll Everywhere, Padlet, etc. using photos, illustrations, quotes and surveys.
11. Byte-size equipment – Chromebooks, iPads, cell phones and other digital devices have become mandatory in a virtual learning environment. Cutouts and lay flat design could make this technical spread terrific.
12. Virtual starters – Teachers are trying to keep remote learners engaged with starter activities and virtual bonding. Find out the fun and introspective ways classes are starting at your school.
Zoomed out yet? Whew! That’s a lot of digital ideas to download. In all, we’ve given you 33 ideas for academic coverage over the last two weeks. We’ve also created a four-page handout that has all these academic ideas, plus a few more. You can download it here or check it out on the coverage page of the Balfour Exchange.
