Equipping the new hybrid classroom The road ahead is also challenging for many schools navigating a new , hybrid learning environment . In Harrisburg , Pennsylvania ’ s
Susquehanna Township School District , for example , nearly one-third of its 2,800-student population are opting for all-remote access this fall .
“ We knew we needed to be flexible and give parents choices , and we wanted to provide the best education possible for all our students ,” says Justin Green , the district ’ s director of technology .
To serve students online and in the classroom without increasing the workload for teachers , the school system partnered with HP to create a hybrid experience that ensures all students get the same high-quality education and connection to their teachers .
The suite of interactive tools helps teachers broadcast their in-classroom lessons to remote learners simultaneously . Essentially
an all-in-one remote teaching studio , it includes web-connected cameras that follow an instructor around the room and can zero in on a whiteboard or other focal points .
HP Elite Slice conferencing technology helps teachers manage online instruction easily from the front of the room , and sits atop a portable workstation that includes a laptop and a large monitor that lets teachers see both remote students and those sitting in class . Teachers can also record lessons for students to review on their own later , and remote students can share content and participate in class discussions using their own webcams and microphones . HP is piloting the solution in Susquehanna , with plans to expand to more schools .
“ Using this technology provides remote students the chance to participate and engage with their teachers when they are not physically present ,” Green says .
Empowering educators to excel online Achieving a high-quality education from a distance is about more than making sure everyone is connected and has a device — it also requires a new approach to teaching .
HP ’ s BeOnline initiative provides a free platform of tools and resources that educators can tap into to build new teaching skills for the digital environment . “ The agents of transformation in any education system are teachers , and we ’ re putting the effort into them ,” says Matias Matias , head of Global Business Development for Education at HP .
Among other things , the program includes a series of tutorials that encourage teachers to reimagine daily tasks within the context of distance learning : How do they prepare for their day ? How can they assess their class ? How do they innovate ? Teachers can also click into deep-dive webinars to learn how to create immersive learning games or educational “ escape rooms ”— timed challenges that teach students critical-thinking and problem-solving skills in subjects such as math , science , history , and geography , plus the importance of teamwork and communication .
Matias says learning to use these digital tools and resources effectively helps teachers make their classes more relevant and sparks students ’ imaginations from afar . “ It ’ s our recipe to empower teachers with inspiring content and creative ideas that improve academic productivity ,” he says .
The program is currently focused on Spanish-speaking regions , with plans to roll it out more broadly with the goal of delivering a better remote-learning experience to nearly three million students around the globe .
Looking ahead , tech companies will remain an important piece of the puzzle in addressing the long-standing problem of the digital divide , according to Common Sense Media ’ s Fazlullah . She says in-kind and tech donations are good “ first steps ,” but an ongoing commitment to prioritizing schools and students is paramount .
HP ’ s Avey echoes that sentiment , noting that technology companies are filling an important need as the pandemic amplifies the challenges of distance learning .
“ These solutions are not the panacea ,” he says , “ but they can help get us through this crisis .”
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