By Lyonel Doherty
You can’t beat the smile of an inquisitive young learner.
That’s why teachers sorely miss their students during the pandemic.
“For me personally, and most teachers I have talked to, we miss the kids. It is their energy and personalities that keep us loving and enjoying our job,” said drama teacher Alison Podmorow at Southern Okanagan Secondary School.
No doubt many students are languishing in a state of painful boredom, but their homework seems to be keeping them busy. But even that is a challenge.
“These are indeed trying times. It is very difficult to adjust to remote learning,” Podmorow said.
She said drama is so “in the moment” and it is hard to adjust to an online system.
Her students have completed some interesting and entertaining video projects for junior drama.
“The students are trying to adjust but not all of them have great access to technology or Internet so it makes it even more challenging for some.”
Podmorow said the district and the Osoyoos Indian Band are looking at ways to make sure every student has access to some kind of technology to help them feel more connected.
She said the most challenging part of her job right now is keeping her Grade 12 Leadership (Link Crew) class active.
She normally plans events and activities for students to engage in, such as Spirit Day, assemblies and Grade Eight gatherings.
“I have them doing some remote assignments, but it just isn’t the same. Plus, the Grade 12s are particularly sad about not being together for this right of passage.”
Podmorow said it is students’ willingness to try and willingness to learn that motivates teachers to do their best.
“We are thankful that our students are doing a great job to respect social distancing and the practices put in place to flatten the curve of COVID-19.”
Over at Oliver Elementary School, teacher Dean Rowland tries to maintain his weekly routine as much as possible by going to his classroom rather than working from home.
At this point, he is focusing on the math and language arts curriculum via instructional videos and Zoom calls.
Rowland said everything now takes much longer to accomplish.
“In class, a quick clarification takes 20 seconds. Clarification of the same question can (now) span over a day, sometimes if the messaging gets interrupted.”
He noted there are a few students who are struggling with establishing a routine for themselves and are a bit frustrated with falling behind.
Rowland stated that the one-to-one Zoom calls are working quite well for students who really need the help.
Superintendent of Schools Bev Young said remote learning and connections are occurring across the district via technology, and in some cases by quick visits to students’ driveways to see what they need. “Teachers and support staff are being very innovative and often going outside of their comfort zone to support students in this new way.”
Young said schools have delivered devices to homes where there were none, or in some cases where there was only one for multiple learners.
She acknowledged that workload may be a challenge for students.
“This is not about recreating the classroom at home, this is different. I have seen teachers do field trips virtually in the area by driving there with their laptops or phones.”
Young said support for students with meal programs continues with gift cards and hampers.
“The number of families who need this support is increasing across the district,” she pointed out, adding the school board has contributed to food banks in all communities.
As for graduation activities and ceremonies this year, it is too early to make any decisions, Young said.
“I would like to be hopeful that if the downward trend of (COVID-19) cases continues, something can be salvaged.”
