With e-learning starting on April 13, many students and parents had to adjust their schedules and lives. Teachers had to make adjustments too. They could no longer make lesson plans based off of in-person classes. They transitioned from teaching students in class to scheduling regular Zoom calls and recording videos to communicate with their students.
“There's obviously less personal connection and communication. I can try to replicate discussion using resources like Flipgrid video responses, but it's not the same,” English teacher Jenny Duguid said.
With students working from home, there is a feeling of disconnection between teachers and students. It may be more difficult for students to learn the material through a screen instead of in their regular learning environment. It may also be hard to get more students to participate in their school work, but this has not been the case for all teachers.
“Most of my students have been on board. I have had almost 100 percent participation,” math teacher David Nicholas said.
There are many downsides to online learning such as missing peers, not getting the regular school experience and having trouble adjusting to this new normal. While going through this pandemic, it is very easy to focus on all of the negatives and struggles. Although there are some positives to this situation. These positives can benefit students greatly if they choose to look at them.
“This is a great opportunity to raise a student's grade. I had hoped that students would take advantage of that, some have, but most have not,” photography teacher Richard Spencer said.
Aside from the school aspect of the situation, teachers also have their families to think about during this situation. Teachers now have to balance their home lives and work lives in a different way. Not only are they missing school, but their kids are too.
“My kids really miss their friends. They will do their work for school. It is just hard to maintain their focus all the time. Also, with five people on the internet at once our router/bandwidth has a hard time keeping up with everyone,” Nicholas said.
The online learning experience is new for all teachers and students. During these times, it will be an adjustment for all. Looking ahead, especially for seniors, for those going to colleges, it is something that will also be implemented in the future.
“I can say that the self-motivation, organization, and time management necessary to be successful with e-learning is very similar to what is required to do college work online. So I hope students are figuring out good habits now that I think could benefit them in the future. I also hope that this gives all of us an appreciation for school and what a great opportunity it is that we get to come together to learn,” Duguid said.
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