10/1/2020

Best Practices for Online Literacy Instruction

As the COVID-19 pandemic stretches into the 2020–2021 academic year, an increasing number of observers are declaring that distance learning is here to stay—in one form or another.

In a USA Today article outlining the conditions under which schools can safely reopen, reporter Erin Richards noted that some districts simply don't have the resources required to incorporate these safeguards. In lieu of facilitating staggered schedules, socially distanced classrooms, and increased cleaning regimens, many administrators have instated online-only or hybrid learning models for the foreseeable future, which begs the question: How can teachers provide effective literacy instruction in a remote setting?

Literacy instruction from a distance

In a recent webinar co-hosted by Writable, educators and instructional coaches Shaelynn Farnsworth and Steven W. Anderson touched upon a bevy of topics, including incorporating literacy instruction across the curriculum and understanding equity and access issues.

For teachers eager to optimize how they approach distance learning, the cross-content literacy instruction strategies identified by the duo will likely prove useful, notably:

• Leading with confidence (teachers are capable!) 

• Employing text-based examples to guide students' work

• Using "think-alouds" 

• Helping students learn to break down challenging tasks by paying attention to process and written instructions

Ultimately, taking a focused approach that utilizes multiple strategies organized around the central idea that continued literacy instruction and practice is essential may help educators feel more confident in navigating the virtual realm.

Differentiation in a virtual setting

Of note, Farnsworth and Anderson underscored an important point about differentiation during their hourlong presentation: "Our new normal did not eliminate every student's individual needs." It is just as critical to reach all students in an online arena as it is in the classroom, and teachers may need to tweak their in-person strategies to maximize their virtual success.

In a video from the Michigan Virtual Learning Research Institute, a language arts instructor and a social studies teacher shared some tips for differentiating instruction online by using the core components of content, process, product, and learning environment:

• Content can be delivered in multiple ways, depending on student needs. For example, educators can share individualized instructional videos with students struggling to grasp certain concepts, then hold one-on-one virtual meetings with those in need of more personalized support.

• Process allows students to work toward an end result in a manner that feels both productive and challenging. Some learners may respond best to a tiered approach, with clearly indicated progress checks or questions designed to guide their thinking.

• Product involves how work is completed; for instance, teachers might allow students to work alone or with others, and to deliver their assignments via video, essay, oral presentation, etc. In addition, generous policies for retakes and late work may dissuade students from giving up if they hit a roadblock.

• Learning environment is a particularly important consideration in online literacy instruction because students have a greater ability to customize their approaches when working remotely. Although some may already be proceeding at their own pace or figuring out what types of engagement they find most beneficial, teachers can help keep everyone focused and on track by emphasizing the importance of establishing routines and creating a dedicated workspace.

While there is no one-size-fits-all solution for optimizing online literacy instruction, the best practices outlined here can help point educators in the right direction as they navigate these challenging circumstances. After all, as teacher and writer Larry Ferlazzo articulated in an April blog post for Education Week, "you know your students, you know your community, and you know the best ways to reach them."