Remote learning has become the new norm in this world because of the coronavirus pandemic. Millions of children have been required to receive their education over the internet. For deaf children, remote learning is even more challenging because they need a teacher who can make their lessons enjoyable while using sign language. One teacher figured out how to make that happen. 

Creative Way Of Remote Learning In Sign Language. Let’s Visit Oklahoma Colorado And Utah

Meet Danielle Terrio: Teacher of Deaf Children in Kindergarten-Third Grade.  Danielle is an elementary school teacher of deaf children in kindergarten through third grade. During standard times, she would be in a classroom teaching her deaf children in person. But like many teachers across the country, Danielle has been required to develop remote learning material for her deaf students. Since she has always been an avid filmmaker, she decided to put her filmmaking skills to good use for this purpose.

Danielle has turned her summer break into an adventurous distant learning experience for her deaf students. She has filmed at least three educational videos so far that take viewers on a digital trip to some prominent mountainous locations in the United States. These three locations include the following:

Black Mesa State Park in Oklahoma

Danielle visited the Black Mesa State Park in Oklahoma and hiked up to the top of the Black Mesa Summit. Along the way, viewers will see the beauty of the surrounding barren landscape and learn about the wildlife that can be found there.

Crested Butte in Colorado

Danielle goes on the bridge and trail at the mountain resort town of Crested Butte, Colorado. Viewers learn about the different types of trees and rocks that are found at this mountain resort community.  

Bryce Canyon in Utah

Danielle explores the wilderness area of Bryce Canyon, Utah. She teaches about the unusually shaped rocks at the canyon and how they were formed because of water and wind erosion. There is a big focus on a particular type of rock called “hoodoos.” 

Final Words

When you watch Danielle’s educational videos, you can see that she truly has a gift for filmmaking. She is using that gift to enhance the remote learning experience of her deaf students. They will undoubtedly appreciate going on these remote adventures with her because they’ve been stuck at home for months now. Someday soon, perhaps these children will have the opportunity to visit these places themselves.  

Danielle is proficient in American Sign Language. As she goes on her journey in these different exotic places in Oklahoma, Colorado and Utah, you can see her using sign language as she teaches her lessons in front of the camera. Meanwhile, you can hear the narrator translate her sign language into verbal speech. That is so hearing students or parents can learn from these educational videos too. 

If you’re a teacher in a school district that remains closed because of the pandemic, then you should consider making your own educational videos too. You don’t necessarily need to possess the same filmmaking skills as Danielle. Just use a regular digital camera and free video editing software on your computer. Then you can create fun and exciting lessons for your students too.  Click here for more resources.