Years 7 and 8 update

On online teaching and learning

Teaching online has made me realise there is something vital about the social dynamics of a classroom as a community. That’s not to say that there aren’t benefits to classes online – far from – but rather that there is something quite special about the social context of the classroom which offers an important opportunity for the construction and reinforcement of knowledge and skill. I think this is because the real presence of others, not just tele-presence, is an important incentive for each participant to be clearer in their articulation that all might benefit within the classroom community. Of course, there are very real benefits for individuals, too, in that each thought communicated exercises our vocabulary in an effort to verbalise our beliefs and understanding. By this, we achieve greater clarity in our thinking and fluency in speech. But it is all too easy when alone to accept unsubstantiated reasons and to detect inherent bias. It is the real presence of others which demands that our thoughts be reasoned, useful in furthering the conversation at hand, and considered. Indeed, being with others demands care of the needs, sensitivities and perspectives of others, and this is not always as easily communicated online.

Teaching and learning online is demanding because we cannot access the usual mechanisms used to construct and participate in the classroom community. This includes things like gestures, body language, the use of proximity, voice projection and volume, even the subtle nuances of voice. These are all squeezed into often unreliable bandwidth: there is much lost in translation when trying to engage with others online. Again, there are other benefits to learning online which, I have no doubt, will shape the future of teaching and learning for the better (perhaps that’s an article for another time!). But the cognitive and emotional drain felt when trying to engage with others online is something that will need to be considered carefully when adapting the benefits of online learning to the broader educational context.

Ultimately, success online demands self-discipline just as it does in a real classroom community. It requires the extra effort to persevere. Self-discipline encourages us to focus; to be more strategic in our intent and effort. Indeed, online learning is perhaps one of the best opportunities students have to develop appropriate resilience and greater accountability, traits that will serve them well in life. Of course, as a school, we need to be mindful of the significant demands of online learning and the individual circumstances of our students, but there is much we can use about the experience of virtual learning to fuel the development of dynamic individuals.

Tristan Hill

Middle Years Coordinator

Teaching and learning online in Year 7

I know that lockdown has certainly been stressful for many, with students at home and limited face-to-face communication. Being glued to a screen all day can be hard. However, being in lockdown has taught me to be organised and work more independently. I have become a better learner and have tried new activities I had never tried before. Throughout lockdown, I have strived to remain optimistic and connected with my peers. I started lockdown with a positive attitude, ready to face any challenges, and have tried to keep myself busy by being active. This has certainly helped my physical and mental resilience. Being resilient and patient is what will get me through this unprecedented time. Being in lockdown has introduced me to another perspective on learning and I, like many others, are striving to make the most out of it. 

Shanaya P

Year 7 student

Teaching and learning online in Year 8

The school year of 2021 started; everything was looking good. It was a vast improvement from the repeated lockdowns of last year. But then came another wave of COVID and another lockdown – the one thing we had hoped was firmly in the past! 

Yet, we have quickly adapted to online learning like we had never stopped. Although there were new challenges, I think we were well prepared and got straight back into our old routines. For me, the experience of online learning has always been very positive. It is a chance to learn new skills, things I wouldn’t normally have the chance to do, and spend more time with my family. Although at times I felt unmotivated, my teachers keep me on the right track. I feel more organised and on top of my learning because I am in control. 

I still enjoy catching up with my friends: going for walks and rides in my radius and getting my daily dose of exercise. These rides and walks are not something I would have ordinarily done but they are something I have continued to enjoy even out of lockdown. 

Overall, online learning is not ideal, but we have adapted, taken on all the new challenges that come with it, and have experienced new things along the way.

Jemima P

Year 8 student