Back-to-School
Mom And Teacher Adapt To E-Learning In A Pandemic
As the pandemic descended upon Tampa, I had a discussion with my son’s school.
Hospital Homebound Program
He is enrolled in the Hospital Homebound program, designed for students whose condition is acute or catastrophic, that confines them to the home or the hospital. In my son’s case, he has an acute condition called Thanatophoric Dwarfism requiring him to be homebound. This amazing program has provided in-home teachers and therapists to help in my son’s learning and speech therapy.
E-Learning
The program had yet to offer e-learning, but after our discussion, a call went out to my son’s teacher. She was courageously willing to dive in and learn this alternative way of teaching. She created lesson plans, discovered how to use Zoom, and brought her bubbly personality into our home contactless. E-learning had begun.
Using An Apple Lightning Adapter In E-Learning
To make the process as seamless as possible, I wanted my son to feel like his teacher was in the room with him. Therefore, I searched for an adaptive device that made all the difference in the world for my son’s e-learning experience. It is called an Apple Lightning to Digital AV adapter, which allows either an iPad or an iPhone screen to be projected on your television. It is as simple as:
- Sign in to Zoom on iPad
- Login with Teacher’s Zoom Code
- Connect the Apple Lightning to Digital AV Adapter to the HDMI TV cable. Plug adapter into the iPad. (You can find the adapter at the Apple Store, Amazon, Staples, Target, and Walmart.)
- Watch the Teacher on your TV
Using our big screen television, my son could see his teacher life-sized. This allowed him to have real interaction, even though she wasn’t in person. He could see her inflections, her joy, and her encouragement as she presented the lesson.
One Mom’s Experience
After that first day, we have used the adapter for all teacher and therapy interactions. We continued to use e-learning through the rest of spring and into summer school. As the fall school season approaches, I find comfort knowing my son is receiving the instruction and interaction he needs in a safe and contactless environment.
Since even a cough or a cold can be medically challenging for my son, I appreciate the Hospital Homebound program for providing this option.
How are you approaching the coming school year? What school choice selection have you made? Share your comments below.
For more information on Hospital Homebound in Hillsborough County, contact: Hospital Homebound Program
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