Learning through a lockdown

Life is strange for many of us right now. 

For some of us, working from home was an easy switch – for others such as doctors and nurses it’s not possible at all. But how do you work from home if you’re responsible for teaching and nurturing the next generation?

Here, I, Veena Hoskatta, English Trainer, at VCMIT, would like to share what life is like for a teacher in lock-down and how I'm been using everything from new technology to the post to keep life as normal as possible for my students.

For our students who are at home, my colleagues and I are using technologies to help teach most of our students with home learning remotely. We have also prepared and posted non-IT based lessons to our students where it’s been needed.

There is no doubt that these are uncertain and challenging times, but the unprecedented teamwork and emotional support from friends, family and parents keeps us teachers going - and it is incredibly satisfying knowing that we are able to continue making a difference.

Prior to the Covid-19 emergency, I would ordinarily arrive at college sometimes early doors. I’d start by planning my lessons for the day and preparing any resources needed. Then I would walk around the corridors greeting students and staff.

"Change in my routine"

These days my routine has changed somewhat, and I am working from home most of the time. I still like to maintain my morning routine so I’m up early to water my potted plants and stick to my yoga religiously. After bit of warm up exercises, I prefer listening to music as I la browse you tube for quick breakfast recipes. This helps me getting ready for the day, as well as planning ahead for classwork.

"Being a teacher allows you to make a real difference"

Instead of our usual face-to-face meetings with my colleague, we do send a morning hello email to encourage each other and set us up for the day, not that we need much motivating most of the time.

Being a teacher always allows you to make a real difference and have a real impact on your students, but I’ve felt a heightened sense of purpose during these extraordinary circumstances, and that’s motivation within itself.

Where I can, I like to be at my ‘desk’ from 10:00 am, nowadays this is the kitchen table! I’ll have my laptop open, so I work whilst managing other chorus at home.

Lessons generally start shortly after. Most of our students use Zoom or hangouts to access their lessons and activities. I was lucky enough to already be using zoom meetings with my classes, so I was in the fortunate position of being able to help other friends learn how to use it.

"I miss the hustle and bustle - but we've become closer"

Throughout the day, I am on hand to answer questions and provide support in a similar way to a normal lesson, except this is all taking place virtually or over the phone. 

I think the crisis has made both students and staff stronger as a group of people. We are all there for each other and support each other. I’ve also been touched by the heart-felt messages of support and “thank yous” from my students and colleague – it’s created stronger bonds and helped keep me motivated.

For my students the ‘college day’ winds down in the afternoon and then I generally spend some time planning future virtual lessons. In normal times, there would nearly always be activities like role play, quiz or games participated by talented students. I’ve tried to keep these activities going virtually where possible. 

I do miss the noise, the hustle and bustle of college life, the laughter and the interaction. We have become closer and it feels very much like one team effort. Students are trialing new technologies that they’ve never used before and although most of us may be at home, I've never felt closer to the students. Sharing what are they going through? How are they coping with this unprecedented situation? What are their thoughts on the times ahead? 

And I decided to connect with all the students on this blog page to get their reactions first-hand and stay connected with each other as family.