Connect 4 TIPS WITH SITE SUPPORT

Connect 4: TIPS WITH SITE SUPPORT

We chatted with our Site Support Team about how they have been able to carry out one of the main components of their role as EAST staff, building relationships and supporting programs through site visits. A site visit is a scheduled visit to the physical location of an EAST program, used as an opportunity for an in-depth discussion of wins, challenges, and expectations. It is a time to wholly focus on the specific needs of that facilitator and those students. Their years of experience combined gave us more than four ways that they have been able to extend their support and guidance virtually, but we want to “Connect 4” from our four to maximize your virtual connections!

1. Perspective is key!

We miss being in your classroom and visiting with all your students! But it is amazing how far we can travel virtually. We can visit programs from all over the state in a few hours. Virtual visits remove the spontaneity that in-person visits bring, but the change has brought on some new wins. No matter how school is being conducted (virtual/in-person/blended) this format allows for us to safely visit everyone and see everyone’s smiling faces, because no matter what 2020 has thrown at us, we all have EAST wins to share.

2. Choose your way to share.

With virtual connections, collaboration can happen, just like being face to face. We all have varying styles and preferences on how to connect with one another - find the best outlet that works for you.

We typically use Zoom but let us know if another platform is preferred. With Zoom, having each student on a separate screen is great or you can take turns on a single screen. Either way works as long as we can hear and see you while you see and hear us. Students wanting to show work might be able to use the screen share feature or just visit on a laptop or tablet and turn the screen to what they want to display.

3. Be present and available.

• Be prepared to talk awhile. Don’t pick a time when you only have a few minutes to spare.

• Be on time. Put a reminder on your calendar.

• Be sure you pick a good time and try to avoid distractions and disruptions.

• Prepare your students ahead of time so they know if they will be visiting with us.

4. Communicate to celebrate.

Share your wins - we love to celebrate with you AND we are also here to think through your challenges with you! We love to help!

Some prefer using the chat in platforms while others want the cameras and mics on to communicate. In every instance, we are staying connected! So kudos to how you want to connect, just keep on connecting!

Did You Know...

The Site Support Team typically travels over 20,000 miles a year to see you all? That’s nearly one time around the earth!