Are we trying to be the same, or are we trying to be different?

What an unusual start of the school year we are all experiencing! Parents have never been so much in demand to navigate the schedules of online learning for regular school and in- person schooling. What about all those activities that include both driving and also connecting to the internet? Hybrid learning is here.

So the struggles we feel are partially due to conflict we feel in trying to "normalize" our virtual lives and our children's virtual lives to resemble what the in person experience is. We agree that seeing a person's face over a computer screen allows us to see facial expressions in a way that is impeded by in-person learning where we have to wear a mask. In a Suzuki faculty meeting over the summer we discussed the pros and cons of in-person vs. virtual teaching and learning. The ability to see every child's face is very important to the teacher, and we all agreed that having students play or sing one by one was positive as student's could truly show what they had learned as individuals.

The group learning is very important in our Suzuki environment. Children who see their peers each week in group and musicianship share contact with other children who are learning music, who are struggling with concepts or a new technique, and who develop skills and ability over time. They see that it does not come instantly, but is developed with repetition, consistency, and encouragement. We are bringing this to our students even through Zoom.

Another topic of discussion was: How do we motivate our students? How do we find ways to make them excited about learning? How can we use technology to our advantage? I have found the "record button" to be my new teaching assistant. Recording a tricky practice spot or the left hand alone is as easy as the click of a button. In this case, technology is in our favorm and videos are our new best tool (along with our old best tool, the metronome!).

Perhaps thinking in this way, we will not feel so tired. How can we use technology to our advantage? Students can be away and still make it to their weekly lesson! Parents don't have to drive places. People are together! In the Suzuki learning triangle, we know that the period of time that we are "hands on" is actually finite. Your children will grow and move away. While they are in our midst, we can relish every moment--and be a part of their lives and their learning--in a way they will never forget. With this thought, I hope you find the courage to continue making the wonderful efforts that you do. I believe that hybrid learning and technology are here to stay and can lead to better learning.

Sachiko