Mic check: Reviewing online resources with a critical lens

In this collection of resources, teachers and other educators will learn about four core principles for reviewing the wealth of free online materials available for use during distance learning. The Office of Teacher Development recognizes NYCDOE teachers are receiving an overabundance of online/distance learning resources right now and this collection will support teachers looking to apply a culturally responsive lens.

Included Resources

This reference guide provides key questions educators can ask as they evaluate the multitude of resources available to support remote learning. These benchmark questions will help teachers keep cultural responsiveness at the forefront of their teaching during remote learning and beyond

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In this episode of Mic Check: Reviewing resources with a critical lens, we talk about considering representation when reviewing resources with a critical lens. With an overabundance of free resources and pre-written curriculum now being offered to districts, schools, and families we need to be even more aware of the quality of the materials being used for learning. This conversation delves into things for educators to consider as they evaluate the multitude of resources available to support remote learning, and questions educators can ask to keep cultural responsiveness at the forefront of their teaching during remote learning and beyond

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In this episode of Mic Check: Reviewing resources with a critical lens, we talk about the importance of avoiding trauma when designing learning experiences for students. While we recognize the importance of bringing the world into the classroom, we also want to be careful not to compound trauma that students might be experiencing during the COVID-19 pandemic. Tune in for personal stories, an exploration of trauma and the impact it has on learning, and helpful tips you can use to avoid trauma in your teaching.

You can access the transcript of this audio journal here.

In this episode of Mic Check: Reviewing resources with a critical lens, we examine intersectionality and the importance of understanding the multiple layers of our students' identities as well as our own. Tune in for personal reflections, examples from the classroom, and to gain a deeper understanding of how bringing an intersectional lens to teaching helps strengthen students' critical consciousness and supports them in taking action.

You can access the transcript for this audio journal here.

In this episode of Mic Check: Reviewing resources with a critical lens, we discuss sociopolitical awareness and the importance of critiquing and challenging curricular resources that have been pre-selected for educators to use. Tune in for personal reflections, examples from the classroom, and to gain a deeper understanding of how sharpening our critical lens results in being able to critique and challenge our world in service of supporting students’ abilities to advocate for new and different ways of being.

Click for a transcript for this recording.