With the COVID-19 global pandemic schools are shut down all over the world. Governor DeWine shut down Ohio schools starting March 16th and we jumped right into online instruction as best we could. Thank goodness my students and I were already familiar with and using Google Classroom; we have all been able to manage pretty well since going to 100% online instruction. I enjoy creating new materials and using technology so while the change has been stressful, in some ways I'm really enjoying it.
I miss my students and the normalcy of a school day though but I know I'm very fortunate to be healthy and still have my job. Many people got laid off when non-essential businesses were told to shut down. My mother is in a high risk group, and I worry about her if she catches this. Since I have an autoimmune disease I too am more at risk than others. I leave the house only to walk the dog or go to the doctor or pharmacy. We order groceries online and get them delivered to avoid stores. The world is so different right now. I haven't seen friends or family in weeks and have no idea when I will be able to see them again. A coworker made masks for my boyfriend and I this week to wear when we do finally go out in public.
We're all just putting our faith in scientists and hoping they are successful in a vaccine as soon as possible. Health care workers are rock stars right now as they battle this war and the devastation it has created. Truck drivers, grocery store workers, all other essential employees are heroes in this.
I tune in daily to the Governor's 2pm updates. We're up to 11,602 cases in Ohio, at least that is the number we know about. So many people that are sick aren't able to get tested, and many others are infected and don't even know it.. Ohio has 471 deaths so far, which is relatively low to other states that had first cases around the same time as us. I'm glad Governor DeWine was proactive early on as these numbers could be even worse. I'm wondering what he will announce this week though about the status of schools. Ohio schools were scheduled to open back up May 4th, but I don't see that happening now. I imagine we'll continue with online instruction for the remainder of the year. What to expect for next year though is the really big question for teachers and students. I can't imagine starting out a school year this way, but I may have to start thinking about it and preparing in case.
Well, in this world of virtual learning teachers have started to use Bitmojis to create their virtual classroom. So tonight I will end my post with my virtual classroom. Stay safe & healthy!
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