With the abrupt pivot to online learning amid the COVID-19 pandemic, many teachers have found it harder than ever to connect with their students. Not Matt Boone.
Boone is a seventh grade English teacher at Northwood Middle School in Taylors. He has been making near-daily videos to educate, entertain and engage with his students.
“I’m trying to really connect with them," Boone said. "Not just something funny and motivational but I'm trying to pull in community and social and emotional health so it’s a more robust way to connect with them.”
Boone is the sole editor, writer, actor and photographer for these mini productions. On May 4, he produced a "Star Wars"-themed video and acted as all of the characters.
“I had one student, he kept saying, 'What’s tomorrow’s video? What’s it gonna be about?'" Boone said.
According to Boone, these videos have paid off. His participation rate online averages between 83 percent and 93 percent.