Our Teachers Say
There is no disputing how difficult the last three years have been for teachers. Many educators have even left the profession. But for those who are trying their best to look at the bright side, many silver linings may now be apparent as the skies clear.
ESGI and ThinkFives surveyed hundreds of teachers this summer to learn more about what skills have been honed and what lessons have been learned during the pandemic.
Online Games
Contrary to popular belief, teachers like to have fun and want to share new experiences with their students. Online learning created that opportunity for many teachers. From Boom Cards to Kahoot, online games have been a great tool for teachers to get students excited about learning again. Now that there are part of lessons, you can bet that those programs will continue to excite students in classrooms for years to come. As one teacher shared, “I used to think online games were purely entertainment. I now see how they can support my teaching.”
Patience
They say patience is a virtue and if that’s the case,many teachers are more virtuous now than they were in 2019. Teachers shared how learning to be more patient and trying to control their frustration about external events was a skill they learned over the last three years – and hope to retain.
One teacher shared that, “learning to be patient with others and myself was a great insight I gained.” Teachers had to adapt to ever-changing situations… And at times they surprised themselves with their flexibility. As another teacher shared, “I learned that if I can handle a pandemic I can handle anything.”
Google Classroom
While Google may have been in many classrooms prior to the pandemic, distance learning brought Google Classroom front and center. Amidst the countless new technologies that teachers have had to learn this year, Google Classroom has definitely been atop many lists. Teachers say that online lesson plans, email communication, and assignments for absent students are just a few of the features that will continue to be valuable once students return.
Improved Communication
Building relationships with your students, parents, and fellow teachers is a key part of the job that is often overlooked. While the year certainly had its downside, teachers learned the importance of communicating and found creative ideas to achieve it.
Online tools provided opportunities to connect with families and students more effectively. Using video, audio, chat, and email honed many skills, and teachers believe they now have more ways than ever to connect with parents.
Mastering Technology
The #1 skill that teachers developed (or honed) during the pandemic was mastering technology – or at least becoming more comfortable with it.
While students were excited to return to class in person this year, they also enjoyed the opportunity to have computer time on a regular basis – something many teachers had never provided before. This allowed students to become more technology savvy sooner.
While students were excited to return to class in person this year, they also enjoyed the opportunity to have computer time on a regular basis – something many teachers had never provided before. This allowed students to become more technology savvy sooner.
The examples shared by teachers were many:
- “Teaching can be fun again. Technology is a wonderful thing.”
- “I learned how to make interactive activities using technology that my students can use.”
- “I learned how to use Nearpod during the Pandemic.”
- “I tried lots of technology and new websites to try!”
- “Online teaching / learning gave me skills to now teach extracurricular classes online to kids around the world.”
One teacher summarized the experience, definitively. “Technology can be your best friend.” Imagine that!
What skills or new software did you acquire over the last 3 years?
Partnering with parents…great outcome of the pandemic!
Definitely patience and some cool online websites to check out from the art world! 🙃🎨
Definitely mastering technology!