From the Classroom - Jose Simonet

In a typical Jose Simonet language class, you might be a part of an active and dynamic class where you would be moving around the classroom and continually interacting with your peers. Now, World Language Faculty, Jose Simonet has had to get creative when planning classes.

He still tries to incorporate those same elements in the online format even if it looks a little different. “Using the language to communicate and do things is at the very base of my teaching philosophy, and these are things that are best done synchronously,” said Simonet. “However, and especially nowadays, communication also happens asynchronously (think of email, text messaging, social media posts etc.), so that is something that I have also been incorporating to my classes.”

Initially, Simonet had a lot more synchronous work to encourage class engagement. But after a while he noticed his students suffering from screen fatigue and continued to adapt to his student’s needs. He switched up the format by assigning debates, presentations, and even short vlogs on Flipgrid to encourage participation from his students. He even used Bitmoji to give students a little reminder of what it was like to meet in a brick and mortar classroom. In lieu of the traditional homeroom photo, he had his homeroom design avatars for the photo instead.

“I would like to commend all my students for the great work they have been doing since we went online. I am extremely proud of them for their hard work, adaptability, and resilience,” Simonet said.