ZOOM PLATFORM DISTANCE LEARNING

With the spread of the coronavirus in our country, education took an unforeseen turn – all the activities so eagerly awaited by children, parents, grandparents and teachers moved online, each choosing their educational platform to support the activities, so that there would be continuity with what existed before the spread of the coronavirus.

One of the means chosen to continue distance learning is the Zoom platform. At first, the teacher must learn and become familiar with the use of this tool, so as to be sure that there are no interruptions and that the information is transmitted correctly from a pedagogical point of view, taking physical distancing into account.

How and how much does the Zoom platform help children continue to learn?

The Zoom platform is a tool used to the fullest by teachers to carry out activities with the children remotely.

There are positive aspects to using the Zoom platform, because in this way the teacher continues communication and does not lose the connection, carries out varied live activities: experiments, stories, workshops, questions on different subjects are asked and answers are awaited, the children are happy to see one another again, share with one another things from inside their homes, present beloved toys, learn to be patient with one another, to listen (although it is difficult) when the others speak, etc.

At the same time, activities that involve conveying authentic information and combating stereotypes from childhood can be carried out through the Zoom platform. (for example, the persona dolls method, through which children become familiar with real stories, created to develop certain sensitive themes: ethnicities, special needs, the arrival of a younger child, frustrations, fears…) can support the children, and they, although at a distance, can answer questions so as to understand the subtle message of stories of this kind.

Certainly, the Zoom platform chosen as a means of being closer to the children and facilitating learning during the coronavirus period represents another way of learning at a distance, which brings different benefits to children.

We can carry out varied activities so that the children do not spend excessive time in front of the screen, where parents, with support and communication with the teacher, make sure the children play and carry out activities that involve technical means to a much lesser degree.

Equally important is the fact that when we organize online activities, the children are happy, they sketch a smile that is “contagious” to the other participants in the conversation, a grimace. Through such a platform – Zoom – they can feel close and share joy, love and smiles with one another, which give positive energy to everyone connected.

An article by Mihaela Cociu, assistant teacher