Risk Taking

Is Remote Learning the Future of Public Education?

/ Dave Eberwein / 2 Comments

I love it when we have these types of conversations — the debates about what ‘works’ and what ‘doesn’t work’. It’s these types of dialogue that help us move forward in our thinking and plans to make education even better. This one discussion about remote learning is particularly interesting during the COVID-19 pandemic — and gaining in some frequency — as we have found some system success along with some real challenges.

  • Is remote learning the future for public education?
  • Has the pandemic showed us a better way to teach and learn?
  • Have we seen the utopian light?

As with most topics in education, one often hears opposing arguments — and there’s certainly no exception with remote learning. There are some pretty strong opinions being generated:

“Remote learning is fantastic. My child is able to focus on their own schedule and terms without the distractions at school.”

“Remote learning is terrible. There is no meaningful social interaction with their peers or teachers. Motivation is difficult and they can’t stay focused on their computers”.

Each opinion is sometimes accompanied by articles or media posts supporting the perspective

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Saanich Schools: Change During a Pandemic

/ Dave Eberwein / Leave a comment

I was recently asked to write an article for a local magazine on how we’ve managed our schools throughout the pandemic. There is, without question, a lot of anxiety from this health crisis, but what a great opportunity to share some of the positives we can take from our current situation.

There are always lessons we can learn, changes that are beneficial and momentum that we can use to instill growth. And while uncertainty can breed worry it can also be a springboard for necessary change.

You can find the article from Seaside Magazine on their website, but I’ve also reproduced it for you below.

SAANICH SCHOOLS – CHANGE DURING A PANDEMIC

It goes without saying that COVID-19 has caused some significant upheaval in the public education system – for students, parents, teachers, administrators and support staff.  Schools were closed in March, then partially re-opened with an emergency remote learning option in April, a partial opening in May and then fully re-opened in September with an optional transitional remote learning program.  All of them complex on their own with each phase requiring different approaches, different resources and different thinking — all in an accelerated timeline.

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The Necessity of Courage

/ Dave Eberwein / 4 Comments

It’s an interesting thing — courage. Some of us seem to have lots of it, and others not so much. Why is that? Why do some people seem to head off into the unknown more easily than others?

Here are 3 facts about courage that might shed some light on the issue:

  • You DON’T HAVE COURAGE when you’re born;
  • You OBTAIN COURAGE by doing uncomfortable stuff; and
  • You INCREASE YOUR AMOUNT OF COURAGE by using it.

And, most importantly you NEED LOTS OF IT if you want to effect change.(SIDE NOTE: If you’re seeking to effect change, make sure the change you seek is sound, logical and needed. Change for the sake of change is just a waste of time)

The Cowardly Lion

“You have plenty of courage, I am sure,” answered Oz. “All you need is confidence in yourself. There is no living thing that is not afraid when it faces danger. The true courage is in facing danger when you are afraid, and that kind of courage you have in plenty.”

L. Frank Baum, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz

It goes almost without saying that it takes a significant amount of courage to change the status quo — especially something that is cherished or longstanding. It’s not uncommon to be confronted with a pretty strong emotional response from some when you suggest a change. It takes courage to withstand it’s onslaught.

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