Now that in-person learning is confirmed to return during April, online learning as the primary method of education will be phased out in schools across the district. Reflecting on its impact, remote learning redefined teaching in many crucial ways. Without in-person classes, teachers had to adapt to entirely new platforms like Zoom and Canvas. With the end of Comprehensive Distance Learning on the horizon, teachers at South share their experience with online learning this past year.
One of the most obvious changes that distance learning has forced is the restructuring of teachers’ curriculums, and in some cases the complete overhaul of previous taught material. Ironically, classes based around technology proved to be some of the hardest to shift to online.
Judson Birkel, who taught computer programming, web development, and robotics, prior to the pandemic, faced the height of these challenges. Due to students no longer having access to school computers and the software installed on them, Birkel was forced to rewrite his entire curriculum.
“I had to drop all my classes to accommodate the development of an online curriculum and Chromebooks,” Birkel told the Clypian.
Acknowledging the advantage and disadvantage of Chromebooks for online learning, Birkel added that while they provide students with basic computer access, they cannot download any software applications. That means that teachers have to use programs that are already on the Chromebook or that are accessible online.
Economical as they are, [Chromebooks] don’t allow for software to be installed, which means that any course I teach must be done with software that is 100% online.
Judson Birkel
While the change to distance learning has affected curriculum such as in Mr. Birkel’s case, the switch to teaching online even when not creating a new curriculum comes with many inherent tasks and challenges. Dr. Greg Berry, who teaches English and Writing courses, explained that a multitude of preparatory tasks are necessary for teaching online.
“The most challenging aspect has been converting everything to digital formats, including printed materials, articles, and content-related materials,” Berry explained.
Speaking to the time consuming switch to online, Berry added, “This has required a great deal more work and preparation time than what is required with in-person instruction.”
While adapting to online teaching has affected teachers differently, the increase in workload and time spent on the transition has been a constant challenge. From the overhaul of entire technology based curriculums to the labour intensive task of converting material to a digital format, teachers have had to make many and major adjustments to the way they conduct their classes.
Along with adapting to new teaching methods, teachers have discovered another difficult reality: COVID-19’s impact on the mental health of students. As students struggle to deal with the repercussions of the pandemic on their homes, social lives and general wellbeing, teachers noted how difficult it was to provide the necessary support in these unprecedented times. Teachers indicated a desire to help, but a lack of actionable ways to do it.
“Student grades, academics and mental health, are suffering,” Berry stated.
I believe we need to get students back into school, and get back to normal life, as soon as possible.
Dr. Greg Berry
With in-person learning scheduled to return April 13th and 14th for freshman and sophomores and April 15th and 16th for juniors and seniors, there is hope for normalcy in the 4th Quarter.
In reflection of Comprehensive Distance Learning this past year, Birkel finalized his comments with a thankful message to South’s administration and teachers.
“Through all the frustrations and difficulties that distance learning has provided, one thing I’ve really appreciated is the support that our administration and fellow teachers provide one another… Online learning is hard, but I’d argue that there’s no better place to do it right now than with the staff at South Salem High School,”Birkel shared.
