The adjustment to virtual learning has not been without a few bumps, but most classes seem to be going smoothly, said McCallie officials. Many students have even figured out how to use the many bells and whistles in Zoom, including the virtual backgrounds, which allow them to attend class from anywhere in the world. 

Here are just a few of the ways students and teachers are staying connected and making the most of their virtual learning environment:

Geometry teacher reviewed homework using a whiteboard and then had guys practice with an on-line quiz format to see how that worked

Economics teacher used an on-line game format called Kahoot to review main terms in economics.

Middle School math teacher: "My guys were great! They have been bored at home and were excited to have some kind of a schedule and something to do.”

Graphic Design teacher framed the lesson with a challenge as if National Geographic had commissioned students to present an image that encapsulates the current challenge in our country. Guys could begin to formulate approaches and share ideas virtually.

Biology teacher used zoom to gather and lay some foundation class processes. Then pulled a survey on animal adaptations from google classroom which students worked through. Teacher then used a shared screen and annotated definitional terms 

Middle School teacher wrote: “Several of the guys were on iPads. One of my students was able to explain to all the other guys on iPads how to use the Google Doc I had attached. It was awesome to see

Another Middle School teacher said: “My 6th period guys were all on time and ready to go. I gave them a chance to talk and/or play with backgrounds at the beginning as I took roll. However, they did not really take advantage of it. They seemed more anxious to get going, so we did. I went the entire class period without having to use the "mute all" feature. We graded a grammar homework to begin with. I shared the blank document that everyone could see. I then asked for volunteers to give the answer to each sentence. They took turns. Some raised their hands in front of their camera for me to call on. Some used the "raise hand" button to volunteer. They took turns, asked questions for clarification, and a couple just posted their questions on the chat. It took a few minutes for me to get used to looking at all the different places - the homework, the participants, and the chat box, but I got used to it. They emailed me their scores after class (still waiting on a couple). We also went over requirements for their author research papers and talked about using NoodleTools. Again, they were attentive and took turns asking questions when necessary. 

Philosophy teacher said the class started with an initial discussion based on a previous reading, then introduced the new unit on political philosophy with students taking 10 minutes to look up information on linked website before reconvening on zoom to share emerging themes.   

English department zoomed at the end of the day to share ideas of what worked and what cool ideas emerged.

One of the many upsides about the online learning platform is that students (and teachers) can bring their pets to school. Science Teacher Karah Nazor encouraged her classes to “show and tell” with their pets, and it was a "wonderful, community-building moment." 

The Upper School boys even attended their first virtual chapel this morning, and in keeping with tradition, they continued their pleas for Duck Day by "quacking" in the chat box.