If you’re anything like me, thinking back to what I did during the Spring for remote instruction and virtual learning is a bit of a blur. In planning to begin a new school year in a variety of implementation methods, I quickly realized I need a fast and easy way to get those ideas back in the forefront of my brain.
I love a good list, so here is a list of ideas, activities, and strategies that worked for me for remote O&M instruction.
Remote instruction ideas for O&M
Have students and family members watch/listen to videos (YouTube, websites, vetted by myself first) on human guide and cane skills
Meet live (on virtual platform) to have students demonstrate cane skills for review
Have students (or family members) send videos of themselves completing human guide and cane skills and teaching or explaining them to family members
Have students make maps (tactile or visual) of school, home, rooms, neighborhood, etc.
Send pictures or maps via text, email, or even snail mail for extra concept development (addressing an envelope, postage, etc.)
Mapping activities using share screen features and tools to draw on maps in real time (for LV students)
Intersection analysis and street crossing skills review using mapping idea above.
App instruction (Uber, Uber Eats, Lyft, Google Maps, Blindsquare, etc.) using screen sharing options from cell phone so LV students could see me navigating in real time or with voiceover.
Screen recording examples of above to save and share with students and families.
Student research on long distance travel (airport maps, flight costs, train maps in different major cities in USA and other countries, etc.)
Have students compare/contrast or write pros/cons list of types of travel based on research
Facilitate mentor zoom sessions with adults with VI (Example: had my high schoolers with VI interview a college student with VI via zoom)
Partner with the TVI for group lessons. (Example: Once a week for an hour the TVI and I would meet with 4-6 students virtually and co-teach. Topics included Uber basics, google maps, grocery shopping options, and we even did two cooking lessons where the students made brownies and a dish of their choice!)
For students with additional disabilities
Send the student on a scavenger hunt of their home to find materials to use to make a tactile map
Send home tactile materials for map making (3D stickers, Wikki Stixx, etc.)
Work with families to develop routines for continued travel tool usage and consistent language
Work with families on object calendars for home use
Work with families on consistent placement of items for small travel routines throughout the day (cane/AMD, shoes, calendar, and chores)
Meet virtually with families during their travel and provided feedback
Have family send videos and gave feedback
Hopefully this list provides a you with some quick and easily implementable ideas for those students who will be receiving remote O&M instruction once school begins. Happy teaching!