iPhone Hacks to Survive Remote Learning

I consider myself a sub-optimal elementary french immersion teacher.  This has been proven as for the past month, I have taken on this role to support my kids learning and it hasn't been easy. I studied French throughout high school, but back then the curriculum was focused more on conjugating verbs instead of conversation. Balancing my work and my kids learning has been intense, where the constant task switching and responding to questions has left me mentally drained and feeling very unproductive. As we roll into the fifth week of virtual learning, I have learned a few hacks using your iPhone I would like to share! Hopefully, other sleep-deprived, exhausted and zombie-like parents can benefit from these. 

Speak the Language

There are language and accessibility features built into your iPhone! A hack that has come in handy is to have my phone speak out loud french. My kids' ability to understand spoken french is much greater than reading french. To support their learning, I can simply bring up the school work on my iPhone and select the text for it be read by tapping 'Speak'

To turn this feature on, you need to go to 'Settings' and select 'Accessibility' from the menu. In the accessibility menu, click on 'Spoken Content' to turn on this feature and select if you would like to speak a selection or an entire page. You can also adjust the speed at which the words are spoken. A slower pace was needed for my early year learners. 

The final step is to select another language for it so recognize. This is also done in 'Settings' under 'General' and then 'Language & Region'.  Add the language to the list and when using the speak option you will be able to select the languages from this list. 

Scan Documents 

The workflow of remote learning requires collection of learning artifacts at home and then sending them to the teacher via Google Classroom or some other learning platform. Instead of upload countless photos one by one, using the Notes app on an iPhone has been a timesaver! The Notes app has a built-in document scanner where I can easily scan each piece of my kids' learning. From writing samples to artwork, it allows me to create a single pdf that I can attach into Google Classroom all with my phone! 

Screen Lock Timer

Sometimes you need a quiet moment. To finish that email you have been trying to compose for the past hour but can't because of the constant questions. Perhaps you have a video-conference call which requires you to be on camera and unmuted. Whatever the reason, you may turned to your iPhone or iPad for back up support, especially if you don't have backup yourself. There are great educational apps and shows out there, so I don't feel too guilty when my phone is being used. One hack that I found helpful is setting a timer and selecting 'Stop playing' when the timer ends as the alarm option. Using this option, the device goes to the lock screen when the time is up. No need to set an alarm on a separate device or keep track, it's all done through this timer. 

It has been a wild ride working from home and having my kids learn from home. I do cherish the small moments that normally don't happen during the school day like the lunch time walks or having lunch together. Hopefully these hacks are helpful in making the days go more smoothly. We're all doing the best we can do! I think it is time for me to step away from the screen now.