Hobart College staff and students are facing the challenges of online learning together

Hobart teachers have been working hard to help support their students as they learn from home. NOMINATE A TEACHER NOW

WHETHER it is in the classroom or from their own home, teachers have been on the frontline during the COVID-19 crisis, getting on with their job supporting students while various levels of government tussle over school shutdowns.

The Mercury’s Top Teachers campaign is a chance for us to celebrate and profile some of the teachers going above and beyond in the pandemic environment.

At Hobart College, head of health and physical education Cam Lynch said many changes had to be made for delivery of such a hands-on subject. However, they were rolling with the punches.

Outdoor education teacher at Hobart College, Cam Lynch. Picture: ZAK SIMMONDS

“Our timetable allows for a lot of practical hours, so we go off-campus from day one,’’ he said.

“It’s good that we were able to fit in a lot of practical experiences in term one.

“Now what better time to get stuck in to some theory work?”

He found recording lessons and videos beneficial for the students, as they were able to go back and access them in their own time.

“We’re really enjoying the challenge. There’s been some really good things happening,” he said.

Principal Tracy Siedler said teachers and students were facing new challenges together every day.

Students were being encouraged to learn in different ways, with some classes ranging from watching a video to cooking a meal.

“We know online learning is intense and it takes more concentration, so all of those things are to give kids something to laugh about, give them a break from screen time,” she said.

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Top teachers is a chance for use to highlight Tasmania’s teachers who are going above and beyond in the COVID-19 pandemic environment. To nominate a Mercury Top Teacher, email their name, school and a brief description of why you think they are one of the state’s best right now to [e-mail].