The role of classroom discourse should not be diminished due to our current circumstances. It is vital for students to participate in conversations that make safe spaces for opposing voices, so that they can carry those critical thinking skills into their future as citizens, employees, parents, and leaders.

With large class sizes and children of diverse abilities, backgrounds, and interests, differentiation may seem to be a daunting task. However, there are many tools that are out there that can be helpful, especially if the teacher and students have access to technology.

When given time and the necessary tools, teachers can create lessons that are inclusive of all learners, regardless of the setting. With a UDL curriculum in place, the majority of teachers’ work will be to create strong emotional connections with remote students and letting them know that they belong to a community of learners where everyone is valued.

Setting up authentic online S.T.E.A.M. units will reap many benefits for both teachers and students. After completing a unit, teachers will have an incredible resource that they can refine and use again, and students will have taken part in rich learning experiences that inspired curiosity and creativity they can leverage to their benefits in the future.

Many people have mourned the loss of traditional classroom learning during this pandemic, but it can also be argued that these unusual circumstances may have increased skills that may not typically be practiced in conventional environments. The biggest takeaway from this forced experimentation may be that our society’s soul is renewed by seeing the benefits of working together.