The Longhorn Way: Pandemic fosters teaching about virus

I hate the coronavirus, but I love science! 

I have been trying to look for the silver lining in these unprecedented circumstances. Fortunately for me the subject I teach, life science, lends itself well to incorporating education about the coronavirus into the “classroom.” I have been able to take this time to learn and begin to teach information regarding the science of the coronavirus pandemic and viruses in general as part of our online enrichment for school. 

In science, although it is something I try to avoid,  it can be easy to get caught up memorizing vocabulary, facts and processes. This pandemic, however, has given us the opportunity to take the knowledge we have been gaining all year and apply it to something very real that has been affecting us directly for the past month. It is also good practice for vetting online resources. 

In a society with access to limitless information, literally at our fingertips, two of the most important skills students need are both information and media literacy. These translate to students being able to interpret data and statistics, and understand how, where and often why that information is published.  Especially now, it can be difficult to distinguish factual information from fabricated material, even for well-versed adults.

Throughout our virtual learning experience, I will be incorporating opportunities to practice the aforementioned 21st century skills dealing with technology. We will spend a significant amount of time interpreting data regarding the coronavirus and COVID-19 and determining the credibility of online resources, skills that I believe will take students far beyond the classroom.

As troublesome as technology can be, what with anyone being able to post anything, without it we would be at a stand-still in regards to education. I am thankful that, due to technology, I am still able to communicate with students and even get the chance to see them during online meetings. 

Even in these otherwise lamentable times, I think it is important for us all to look on the positive side as we navigate these unfamiliar waters together.

For me, I think the silver-est of linings are that I am able to work from home so I can spend more time with my family while still communicating with my coworkers and teaching my students, all without having to risk exposure to the coronavirus. I appreciate all of the students, staff, parents and other community members that have helped us bring online enrichment to fruition at Chase County Schools. 

I look forward to when we can all return to normal, but in the meantime I will do everything I can to make this experience as positive as I can for as many people as I can.