Learning Goes On in the Time of COVID-19

Here are my answers to the questions that Mr. Francis Jim Tuscano sent over. This is in preparation for the podcast about literacy and learning through and during the pandemic. The interview can be listened at when you tune in to Jim's empowerEd Podcast channel. The links are at the end of this blog post so have a look and listen to more podcast of thought leaders in education today. 

What challenges in terms of literacy are we seeing or anticipating at this time of school closure?

Literacy has many kinds, so allow me to identify five kinds of literacy that are relevant to have in the time of COVID-19. These are Family Literacy, Digital Literacy, Financial Literacy, Media and Information Literacy (MIL) and Cultural Literacy. At the core of these kinds of literacy is critical thinking. So I think, the question we can ask ourselves as parents and teachers is, how can we learn and harness critical thinking skills especially in children?

So, for the purpose of discussion, I will focus on Family Literacy, MIL and Digital Literacy as the most challenged literacy skills today.

It is important that families know how they learn, individually and collectively. It is in the family where creative and productive habits of using media and digital technology begin. Conversations and experiences in language grow and develop at home. Parents are the first teachers of the child, so an awareness of how each members of the family learn and grow is the beginning of learning at home.

Today, parents are challenged to provide a learning environment for their kids at home. What routines are in place to help and assist children in learning about themselves and the immediate environment? How are children using technology at home? What models of reading and learning habits do children take after from their parents. I think these are challenging times for parents and they do need support.

How can teachers continue to foster literacy despite school closure?

Teachers need to communicate well with parents. As many schools move to remote and online distance learning, schools must support teachers and parents in the transition. A big expectation is set for teachers to do an efficient job at this. The design of learning and instruction that is age appropriate and creative is of utmost importance. All these changes has to be relayed to parents in clear and meaningful ways.

How can the home help in ensuring that kids continue to love and appreciate reading?

I think it is important to strike a balance the use of digital technology and exposure to media. As a librarian, I do a lot of paring, deconstructing and unpacking of information found online. Metadata is not easy for children to understand and make meaning all in one go. Some symbols, signs and context can be lost especially when children engage in the news and when they receive an influx of information from social media.

So, for parents, I recommend that they take time listening to their children. Be aware of the questions children ask. Entertain their curiosities and wonderment. Tell each other stories. I am big on storytelling and this is an experience where children can acquire language and literacy skills. take advantage of the time spent at home. This is also a good time to learn and develop life skills.   

What have been the most important learnings that you got at this moment? 

I think it is really important for us all to work together. This health crisis can break us apart or it can bring us together. I prefer the later one.
 
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