Remote learning is even harder when English isn’t students’ first language. Schools told us their priorities for supporting them

The COVID-19 pandemic has left large numbers of students, teachers and families grappling with the challenges of remote learning. Remote learning can be particularly challenging for students who are learning English as an additional language or dialect (EAL/D students).

<https://theconversation.com/remote-learning-is-even-harder-when-english-isnt-students-first-language-schools-told-us-their-priorities-for-supporting-them-166957>

Developing literacy skills in a digital world

‘The change over the last 20 years in what and how students read has emphasised the importance not only of assessing students’ capacity to read, but also what they have learned about the credibility of what they read.’ In her latest Teacher column, Dr Sue Thomson delves into international PISA 2018 data on reading literacy and digital literacy skills.

<https://www.teachermagazine.com/au_en/articles/developing-literacy-skills-in-a-digital-world>

Expert resources help support remote learning

When NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian announced on 25 June that the state would go into lockdown, few expected that it would drag on for three months. And the state still has another month to go before the lockdown ends in earnest.

<https://www.theeducatoronline.com/k12/news/expert-resources-help-support-remote-learning/278749>

Supporting critical numeracy and maths skills in teaching and learning

In today’s article, Dave Tout, Justine Sakurai and Carly Sawatzki discuss numeracy and its relationship with mathematics, and the importance of real-world contexts. They’ll also share a problem-solving cycle to help students develop their skills, and a classroom example of health numeracy, using trampolining as a focus for mathematical investigation.

<https://www.teachermagazine.com/au_en/articles/supporting-critical-numeracy-and-maths-skills-in-teaching-and-learning>

Students at home, but school life continues

Two schools for students with special learning and support needs have created outstanding programs to connect with their community.

<https://education.nsw.gov.au/news/latest-news/students-at-home--but-school-life-continues>

Quality Time for teaching

Teachers and school staff are being called on to provide feedback on the NSW Government’s Quality Time Action Plan which sets an ambitious agenda for reducing duplicative, repetitive, and low-value administrative tasks in schools. Minister for Education Sarah Mitchell said leveraging technology and digital tools to streamline teaching tasks is at the centre of the plan.

<https://education.nsw.gov.au/news/latest-news/quality-time-for-teaching->

Teachers to spend less time on reports, forms and playground duty

A plan to reduce the time teachers spend on menial tasks could save them up to 40 hours a year.

<https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/teachers-to-spend-less-time-on-reports-forms-and-playground-duty-20210916-p58s65.html>

<https://www.watoday.com.au/national/nsw/teachers-to-spend-less-time-on-reports-forms-and-playground-duty-20210916-p58s65.html>

We stand with her: A call to action on girls’ online learning and digital skills

Global leaders from across the public, private and philanthropic sectors have signed a joint letter committing to girls’ education and in particular girls’ digital access, skills and participation in online learning.

<https://en.unesco.org/news/we-stand-her-call-action-girls-online-learning-and-digital-skills>

The spy tech that followed kids home for remote learning—and won’t leave

Gaggle’s software monitors students’ use of school-issued accounts. But educators may not be prepared to respond to what they learn.

<https://www.fastcompany.com/90677509/the-spy-tech-that-followed-kids-home-for-remote-learning-and-wont-leave>

Effects of online education on mental and physical health

Covid-19 has caused destruction and devastation worldwide in ways nobody could anticipate. The world in one way or another came to a standstill. Life as we knew it changed. And this change became the new constant.

<https://www.indiatoday.in/education-today/featurephilia/story/effects-of-online-education-on-mental-and-physical-health-1854320-2021-09-18>

Help students discover the world with new Flipgrid Live Events

At Flipgrid, we want to help educators everywhere provide unique learning experiences for their students. Flipgrid Live Events connect classrooms to subject matter experts and resources while providing students access to amazing locations across the globe. Whether visiting national parks, traveling underwater, or interacting with renowned authors, activists, and humanitarians, each 30-minute educational live event can broaden your learners’ horizons and enrich your curriculum.

<https://educationblog.microsoft.com/en-us/2021/09/help-students-discover-the-world-with-new-flipgrid-live-events>