Mount Carmel teachers discuss challenges of online learning

Proud educators have described the challenges they and their students are tackling – and overcoming – amid the coronavirus pandemic. NOMINATE A TOP TEACHER NOW >>

TEACHERS have been on the front line of the coronavirus crisis, working to support their students as they tackle such a new way of learning.

The Mercury’s Top Teachers campaign is shining a light on the state’s educators going above and beyond during the pandemic.

At Mount Carmel, grade 7 to 10 design and technology teacher Alex Rodrick said it had been a challenge moving her classes online.

“So much of how we assess students is by watching them cook, or working on textiles projects. Moving things online has meant families have had to open up their home kitchens,” she said.

“It’s been really well received. They’re really getting to show their families what they’re capable of.”

Mount Carmel grade 7 to 10 design and technology teacher Alex Rodrick. Picture: RICHARD JUPE

Mr Rodrick said she was proud to see her how resilient the students had become.

“They miss their friends, but they’re really good at accepting that we’re all in this together,” she said.

Year 6 teacher and Mt Carmel’s director of positive education Mel Sluyters said changing from standing in front of a class to sitting in front of a screen had been a difficult adjustment.

Melanie Sluyters is a Year 6 teacher and director of positive education at Mount Carmel. Picture: RICHARD JUPE

But she said her students, as well as herself, were beginning to get the hang of such a different way of learning.

“It’s difficult, you’re a teacher so your innate being is that you’re there in front of the kids and you can see if a child is struggling,” she said.

“We have to keep thinking of ways to make sure the classes are still engaging.”

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