e-learning: sharing lessons and resources

E-Learning isn't easy for any of us!  Parents, students, teachers, and related service providers are finding it overwhelming.  In this post, I'll share from my perspective as a related service provider.  

YOWZA!  This has been a challenging process for SLPs and other related service providers as we are not only responsible to provide services and resources,  we are expected to do this while continuing to be HIPAA compliant.  I have no problem with either of these expectations but I do feel it's important that administrators, general education staff, and parents be aware of how much extra time this is requiring above and beyond an upload of a single lesson. Any lesson developed is individualized to each student's needs.  Additionally these lessons must also be uploaded individually as well as any of the links within the lesson to maintain student confidentiality.  This takes time...so much precious time.

Here are a few hacks I've learned as we move forward with remote learning.  

1. Whenever possible materials should be tured into a pdf and then linked as this requires less individualized linking.  
2. Create a google doc with a table to share with your team for "team times scheduling with parents".   Students, parents, and team members really appreciate the connected time with one another.  Additionally this allows for greater collaboration in finding ways to support the student and family in his or her elearning plans
3. Use signup genius to create your teleconferencing schedule for individual times.  This significantly reduces the amount of time needed to reach out to your caseload and find a time that works for them.
4. Create a choice board with linked materials to work toward their goals with their parents assistance.   Materials may be youtube links, boom cards, pdfs of graphic organizers, materials in their boardmaker players, video of read alouds, or videos of yourself explaining and coaching on any number of skills.  Many of these choice boards can be repeated with some simple tweaks or changes which will make it more manageable for all involved.

AAC Speech-Language Board

As my team moves from e-learning to remote learning, there will undoubtedly be many new changes and challenges.  What I have learned over the last few weeks is how grateful I am for health, family, friends, food, employment, my team, and my students.  We can overcome anything as long as we continue to extend grace, compassion, and kindness to one another.  

Be well!

Becky