I have been a teacher for almost 30 years and have never faced such a disruptive effect brought into the classroom as Covid 2020. There has been much debate, virulence and adjustment for students, teachers and even concerned parents. Nothing in the teaching playbook has prepared me to face Covid.
So, as the world begins to prepare for Covid to become endemic, rather than pandemic, I have 10 class exercises for all teachers to use for possible discussion.
Note that some questions also focus on issues of artificial intelligence (AI), inequality, and sustainability. Finally, I have created these questions for the benefit of teachers.
Are here:
Problem 1:
Can you provide ways that you can design your own custom made reusable cloth mask to show your individuality?
Problem 2:
How can you change the background of your zoom profile to let the zoom instructor know you’ve prepared for your topic?
Problem 3:
There is a zoom class in session. Without warning, a hacker abruptly disrupts the online class, also known as “zoom-bombing.”
How should you react so that the intruder does not have the pleasure of having succeeded in his devious plans?
Problem 4:
Ask the class to choose a difficult topic. Encourage them to brainstorm how they can create a short TikTok recording to highlight the important concepts of this topic.
Conduct a social experiment and ask them if the topic is still challenging for them after this TikTok recording.
Problem 5:
Create a scenario where Instagram has requested that a fee be charged for any additional uploaded images beyond 50. Then ask your class which images they will still retain and why.
PS: For clarity, you can ask them to use their current Instagram collection as an example.
Problem 6:
Gather your class into different groups and ask them to discuss which jobs will be difficult for humans to be replaced by AI and provide some reasons.
PS: For background reference, many HR experts predicted the rise of AI in the workplace even before the detection of Covid before 2020.
Problem 7:
Before doing this exercise in the classroom, use Google for relevant and up-to-date statistics on global inequality. Using this information, ask the class to provide suggestions on how this inequality can be minimized.
PS It’s important that you don’t be too picky about your expectations of your answers, as they don’t have easy access to solutions.
Problem 8:
Explain to your class the meaning of the term “sustainability”. Then proceed to ask them if they are willing to recycle and waste less for a better world in the future.
PS: This question may not hit home with them until you ask them how they feel about not upgrading to the latest mobile device to reduce digital waste.
Problem 9:
Ask them how they perceive the concept of “the simple life” without the stress of wanting more.
Question 10:
This last question may be the deepest of all. Do you feel like you are a slave to technology and that your privacy will never be yours?