This year in the Gorham School District, some students elected to attend school by participating in the remote-only option. Virtual teachers from kindergarten through twelfth grade explained the benefits and hardships of teaching remote learning.
The three Gorham Elementary Schools are using a program called Edmentum Exact Path as their core curriculum. Students work at their own pace and can progress through lessons that vary in level depending on age. The three elementary school virtual coordinators are Valerie Carpentier from Village, Darren Choate from Great Falls, and Katie Paine from Narragansett.
Another resource the elementary schools are using is Seesaw. Teachers post weekly schedules and students then use the platform to create and submit their work.
“Many parents are enjoying the direct support role they have in their child’s learning,” said Carpentier. “Parents have also indicated they love seeing their student’s progress from day to day in accountability and time management.”
Gorham Middle School (GMS) and Gorham High School (GHS) remote students are using a program called Edmentum Courseware that provides all lessons (text, audio, video, and practice), instructions, pre-tests, quizzes, and tests for students to complete individually. Remote teachers also meet with students for check-ins offering one-on-one support and group support using Google Meet or Zoom.
Courtesy of Gorham School DepartmentA Gorham elementary student works remotely in a space dedicated to learning fully at home.
One of the biggest challenges noticed so far amongst middle and high schoolers is how students have to adjust to learning independently. Students are required to work on their own to understand new content, which is a big transition from traditional instruction.
“Mr. Palmer [GMS virtual learning coordinator] and Mr. Cheung [GMS virtual ed tech] have both worked tirelessly to see that all of the virtual learners are completing their classwork and doing well,” said GMS principal Quinton Donahue.
Currently, GHS has 69 virtual students enrolled in 70 online courses directed by GHS Virtual Learning Coordinator Jeff Burnap. Students can complete their required core and elective classes, but Edmentum also offers additional elective classes not available at GHS in person. These courses include photography, game development, archaeology, and criminology to name a few.
Remote teachers spend their days communicating with students and families, preparing non-virtual materials, and meeting with students on Zoom or Google Meet individually or in groups. One of the struggles expressed throughout all remote grade levels was how students and teachers do not have the same amount of face-to-face time together. It is tricky to help from a distance but the teachers are making the best of this unique situation.
Overall, Gorham is doing well under the circumstances and remote teachers are going above and beyond to assist their students to the best of their abilities. With hard work, passion, and dedication, virtual teachers are working to make sure all Gorham students are thriving.