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Hi Mackenzie! Although I am not a teacher yet, I have observed my little sister this year when she is doing school online. She is currently in Pre-K and her teacher has daily zoom meetings with the kids with some breaks in between. Even at that, my little sister still gets restless and starts getting antsy because the zoom meeting is practically all day from 8am-3pm approximately. However, on Friday's her teacher does not have zoom meetings with the kids, but instead posts videos on google classroom explaining the assignments for the day so the children can work at their own pace. From what I have seen, I feel as if she does better and is more focused when she is not on zoom the entire day but she still gets all of her work done. I hope this gave you some insight!

Hello Mackenzie , I find it very interesting as to what you have observed . I feel that since the attention span of child is very short , maybe videos to watch is much better for them because it allows them to work at their own pace and children tend to get agitated or bored fairly quickly . 

Hi Mackenzie, given the current situation I actually related to the question myself because I feel more engaged in the lesson with a real-time zoom meeting versus watching recorded lectures on my own. First of all, if I'm given the choice of watching the lecture I will probably procrastinate and won't fully comprehend the academic content. I feel like the same applies to small children and they probably benefit more from being more present in the classroom, even if it is virtually at the moment. Also, another factor that could make the meeting more engaging would be the teacher's attitude and personality and how much he or she encourages student participation to keep them on task.

Hi Mackenzie! I currently also work with kindergarteners and I think that having a scheduled zoom with them is the better option. I think that when it is done through zoom, the kids are able to interact with you by answering or asking questions. It's also easier to discuss things with them this way since they are still young and may need clarification at times. This would also allow the students to still participate during lessons with the teacher and also their peers which is very important for them at that young age.

Hi Mackenzie!

I am also wanting to teach the young ones and am currently working with kindergarteners. In my opinion, I think the scheduled zoom time would be easier for the younger children. This way you can make sure they are listening and actually watching the videos you want them to instead of counting on their (probably) already busy parents to make them sit down and watch the videos. The videos would be hard for the youngings to keep them entertained. Holding a zoom or a live meeting would allow you as a teacher to sit down and talk to the children as a whole or even individually. If your classroom is a lot of students, you could even do two zoom meetings, teaching the same concepts and information in both, but have a smaller group to keep the attention of. I believe that would be easier than having to rely on the children and the parent or gaurdian to get the video (s) watched. They could also have take home packets that they could fill out instead of videos, or something along those lines. 

Hello Mackenzie, I am kinda in the middle of two walls with this question. I feel like since children have a small attention span they start to wonder off after a few minutes of being in a zoom meeting even if they have scheduled breaks. For this reason I believe that sending out videos is better than having zoom meetings. However, having zoom meetings allows the students to interact with the teacher and other students as well. Teachers are also able to guide the students through zoom meetings.

Hey there Mackenzie. Talking from experience with working as a paraprofessional I find that it really depends on the student. Sometimes students benefit more from having a live session because the teacher is there to answer any questions and further clarify what is being taught. However, having videos being uploaded allows students to learn at their own pace, and they are able to rewatch the video if they need to. So my advice would be to do both, just to ensure that all students are given the best chance and succeeding. 

Hey Mackenzie I as well am an early childhood education major and I would say having a scheduled zoom would be better. Having a scheduled zoom would allow for you and the students to interact with each other. Say you were going over the alpahbet you could ask the students go around and look for anything that starts with the letter A and it will keep them more engaged since they are able to go around there house and look for things to show the rest of the students in class.

Hi Mackenzie,

Although I am not teaching quite yet I have been in a few classrooms where virtual learning is occuring. With that being said, I think your observation that sending videos could be more beneficial. The reason I say this is because students who maybe need to see something more than once can with a video rather than zoom. Also little segement videos maybe less stressful and less intimidating than a zoom call with many distractions occuring. 

Hi Mackenzie!

I feel like having mix of both zoom calls and pre-recorded videos would be beneficial. Videos might entertain younger children a lot more and keep them focused, but they are not as personal as Zoom calls. Through Zoom calls you are able to interact with your students and physically see them improve and progress. Sending out a video here and there would be a good way to change up your lesson plans and give students a different tool to learn with. But I do belive that Zoom calls are imperative in order to stay in communication with your students and devleop a bond with them.

Hello Mackenzie, 

I am a future teacher as well! Personally, I think that having shorter videos for students would be best for their attention. I do also think that maybe showing the videos over Zoom would be best as well because then you could discuss the videos with them during the meeting, and they would enjoy the break to watch something during the meeting as well. Additionally, if you assigned the videos for the students to watch on their own time, you might run the risk of the students not watching them. I hope this helps! 

Hello! 

I am also an early childhood major and am amazed every day at how well third graders use and rely on technology. There are sometimes they are better at assembling their chromebooks better than I can. I think sending out videos to students is better in some ways than having a scheduled zoom. Supplying students with videos that they can refer back to is helpful in a sense that they do have the abilty to relate back to it. A scheduled zoom requires students to grasp the concept right then and there rather than having a video they can refer back to. this is extremely helpful for students who may be sick or are not able to meet for whatever reason during the scheduled zoom.