How Can We Support Online Learning for Elementary Students? Perceptions and Experiences of Award-Winning K-6 Teachers

Abstract

K-12 online learning can be advantageous in a variety of circumstances, including inclement weather days and emergency remote teaching. With the lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic, many K-12 districts may consider ways to incorporate online learning into their regular school plans after they resume face-to-face instruction. However, the most challenges to online learning seemed to take place at the elementary level. This brings up an important question: What should elementary online teaching and learning look like? We examined six award-winning K-6 teachers' perspectives on and experiences with online instruction and practices for elementary students. The teachers suggested that online instruction to support elementary students’ learning should be (a) organized, (b) engaging, and (c) interactive. Teachers also suggested that developmentally appropriate use of technology and parental involvement may foster elementary students’ online learning experiences.

Virtual literacy instruction: An investigation of how elementary educators exhibited TPACK during COVID-19 school closures

“…Students reported feeling isolated due to less frequent interactions and collaboration with classmates and teachers (Walker-Dalhouse & Risko, 2020). Educators also reported having difficulty encouraging and promoting interaction in the asynchronous online environment leading to poor student engagement (Liao et al, 2021). Decreased feelings of engagement may occur because of the requirements of virtual instruction.…”

“…Specifically, educators need a clear purpose for their instruction with careful consideration of standards, curricular goals, and pedagogical practices. Pedagogically, Liao et al (2021) recommend that successful online teaching be organized. For example, visual schedules (Washburn et al, 2021) or set timetables (Doll et al, 2021) should be posted daily.…”

“…For example, visual schedules (Washburn et al, 2021) or set timetables (Doll et al, 2021) should be posted daily. Additionally, educators should rely on a unified lesson design (Liao et al, 2021), such as using Google Slides for a lesson template. Doll et al (2021) further recommended that learning content should be centralized in one learning management system (LMS) to help improve class organization.…”

“…Doll et al (2021) further recommended that learning content should be centralized in one learning management system (LMS) to help improve class organization. A final key recommendation made by Liao et al (2021) is that to make instruction more interactive and student-centered, educators should use synchronous online instructions rather than asynchronous ones, especially for elementary-aged students.…”

“…No matter the online teaching format, educators across the nation faced challenges in effectively implementing their daily literacy instruction. These challenges were most apparent at the elementary school level (Liao et al, 2021).…”