The COVID-19 virus’ effects are being felt in virtually every aspect of American life, but outside of healthcare, there is likely no greater impact than on the education sector.
The rapid spread of the virus prompted the Oklahoma State Department of Education to first suspend all classes for the two weeks following the state’s spring break, and then cancel classes and all extracurricular activities for the remainder of the school year. In order to keep students on track, though, the board mandated that all districts and schools implement distance learning plans for their students. Like teachers across the state, Cordell’s educators have been pushed into a new world of teaching, and they are rising to the challenge.
“The challenges are many, but I feel we are very prepared due to the fact that we have had technology provided to us for several years,” said veteran Cordell teacher Bobby Blackburn. “Our teachers are trained with countless hours of technology workshops to help in meeting the needs of all of our students. Our kids have been provided with computers and training to use to help in their education. Teachers are using many resources to adapt their individual curriculum to best utilize how to help our students learn from home.”
In Cordell, the distance learning programs look different for every teacher and every classroom. Some teachers, primarily those with older students, are delivering more via technology while others are leaning more heavily on printed packets of material. Last week Cordell teachers took to the streets to deliver those packets to their students’ homes.
Blackburn is reaching his students through technology.
“I am very proud of our faculty and administration,” he said. “We are working to face this new era of educating our students. We have had online meetings to communicate and coordinate how to best move forward during this time. We have contacted all students and parents to provide information to guide them through this process. We have made sure each student has a computer, chargers, internet access, and packets for those who need them. Teachers will provide assignments and monitor progress as well as being available to help and answer questions through e-mail, text, calls, and online conferencing.”
Teacher Charlinda Ogle was one of the teachers delivering packets.
“This is a new adventure for everyone,” she said. “We’re stepping off into something new. This is completely different and it’s rocking everyone’s world. Our teachers have all stepped up and grabbed a hold of it, they’re getting things done. I’m very proud of our teachers.”
Ogle also credited school administration for their efforts, highlighting administration’s willingness to provide the framework while allowing the teachers to guide their curricula in the way they deem best.
Both teachers advised parents to do they best they can in these trying circumstances.
“Parents can help by being involved in the process,” Blackburn said. “They need to set up a structured environment and monitor their child. We don’t expect them to teach, but to support. They can communicate with the teacher as provided. We need to all work together and be a community during this time.”
Ogle agreed, also advising parents and students to remain calm.
“Don’t be stressed, just do the best you can,” she said. Everyone’s trying to do the best they can. There’s no judging going on here. We have great kids and we live in a great community, we’ll get through this.”