Akash Patel - Teaching in the Global Pandemic

Akash Patel, a Spanish teacher, describes the transition to online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic at Ignite Middle School in Dallas. The school district prepared by training educators and parents, which helped them effectively implement online learning. Despite challenges, including a return to in-person teaching and personal experiences with COVID-19, the school remained resilient. They adapted to blended instruction and aimed to welcome all students back in fall 2021.

What was the initial step taken by the Dallas Independent School District in response to the pandemic in March 2020?

• Starting in-person classes immediately

• Closing all schools indefinitely

• Providing Chromebooks to students for online learning

• Organizing a community meeting

How did the Dallas Independent School District prepare educators for the transition to online learning?

• By canceling all classes

• By providing training on Zoom and online learning tools

• By hiring new teachers

• By reducing the number of classes

What significant decision was made by the governor of Texas in September 2020?

• To start a new online learning platform

• To open all schools for in-person teaching

• To continue virtual learning indefinitely

• To close all schools permanently

What personal experience did Akash Patel share about his time during the pandemic?

• He contracted COVID-19 and recovered

• He moved to a different state

• He started a new job

• He took a long vacation

What was one of the challenges faced by the school during hybrid learning?

• Students not understanding social distancing

• Parents not supporting online learning

• Teachers refusing to teach

• Lack of internet access

What percentage of the staff was vaccinated by the end of the transcript?

• 50%

• 70%

• 100%

• 90%

What is the hopeful outlook for the school in the fall of 2021?

• To reduce the number of classes

• To close the school permanently

• To welcome all scholars back to school

• To continue with online learning only