Inspiring a Virtual Community.
Building a Virtual Community with parents, teachers and students means that you need to think beyond the 4 walls of traditional classrooms. A virtual community is possible, it just needs to be created and kept up on a little differently. In a virtual community, the idea of time, space and accessibility simply needs to be redefined.
Learning StylesA virtual community allow for intentional time, resources and options for learners so that different learning styles can be accommodated. Activities, lessons, and engagement can be set up so that students can choose what works best for them.
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TimeIn a virtual community, students are able to access material as needed. They are not limited by the time of a traditional school day. This is so helpful for kids who are absent, traveling or maybe just need to hear content in an additional time or way.
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SpaceYour virtual community is still a space that you can create, just like a brick and mortar classroom. You can set up your virtual community in a way that fits organically with content you are teaching. What works for you? A blog for parents? Supplemental activities that extend the learning beyond what was done in a classroom? A unit by unit organization of lessons, activities and assessments? A little bit of everything? You have the ability to create an intentional virtual community any way that you want.
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The Power of an LMS, Website, and Personal Connection
Learning Management Systems provide teachers with all the virtual tools they need to manage their classroom effectively, efficiently, and personally. You can find LMSs, like Google Classroom, for free. Or if you need a bit more power in your LMS you can find paid versions like Blackboard, Canvas, or Brightspace. These tools allow you to deliver content to students in many interactive ways, as well as create student groups, use analytics, and turn in assignments.
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Using a classroom website is another easy way to engage your students in the classroom community. You can personalize a website to fit you and your teaching style. Websites are very easy to build and add some flare to your virtual personality, plus students can get the same information from you in one location. If you want to really focus on community, you can use the website to engage with the content and even give feedback.
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Technology allows you to connect and build relationships with students in the brick and mortar environment all the way to the virtual world. You are the most important tool to build a virtual community. It's all about putting in the extra effort to connect with students. Instead of sending an email, pick up the phone. Instead of writing a blog or making a PowerPoint, use video so students can see you. It's a mindset that will help community flourish in your classroom.
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How do I choose a Virtual Tool to build Community?
How can I bring students together?
How can you personalize your students virtual experience?
How can I build relationships virtually?
How can you personalize your students virtual experience?
How can I build relationships virtually?