Why Would Someone Teach Online?

As with any job, there are benefits and challenges and online teaching is no exception. In normal online teaching (not Covid teaching) those who teach online say there are many benefits. These teachers have flexibility in their schedule as well as what they teach. Teachers have the opportunity to teach courses that are not offered in their current face-to-face environment. They have more time for reflection and and providing feedback to students. Graham Borup in his journal article, "The Nature of Teacher Engagement at an Online High School," states that many teachers feel that in an online setting there is more time to interact with students individually. Therefore, students are getting more individualized instruction in order to meet their needs. There are definite benefits for both teachers and students in an online learning environment, however, there are also challenges.

Teaching virtually requires immense organization. The entire semester or course must be planned out so that students are able to plan accordingly. In Borup's study, it was found that the biggest learning curve for teachers was the technology. Learning how to create, post, assess, and provide feedback on assignments virtually is a challenge for some. Unlike in a normal face-to-face classroom, if a student is struggling or not participating, you cannot walk over to them to help them or get them back on track. In the online environment you need to find creative ways to get students involved and have timely communication with students and their families if they appear to be falling behind or disengaged. A teacher interviewed by OCDSB eLearning mentioned that determining whether a student is participating comes down to what the student is able to post or submit online. She said that it is important to front load the technology skills and expectations so that all students know how to use the technology and submit assignments. Teachers in an online school must also provide individual and constructive feedback through the computer to students. There are challenges in online teaching and I have most definitely experienced them so far this school year.

The online teaching that I am currently doing is different than an online school, at least I believe and truly hope so. I strongly dislike (I would have said hate but that may be a little harsh) teaching my students online. I did not choose to teach virtually, my students did not choose to learn virtually. My third graders do not really know how to use a computer, so that is an added challenge. The amount of times I have had to repeat how to get somewhere, how to access a tool, how to open a new tab, is not able to be counted. Majority are unable to do anything on the computer alone and need an individual walk through of what I am asking them to do and how to do it. I am struggling with how I am actually going to teach my kids anything. I can't really see them, sometimes it feels as though half of them are not there even though their names appear on my screen. I can't stand next to them and see how they are solving a problem or what they are stuck on. I can't comfort them when they are stressed or confused. I am trying my best, but this is not the way to teach third graders! I know that Covid teaching is different than online schooling, but this is my only experience with teaching online and so far it is not a good one. I miss being in a classroom with my students. I miss seeing their faces. I miss what I know teaching to be.

Keep an eye on my Poplet as I learn more information about Online School and Online Learning.

References:

Borup, J., Graham, C. R., & Drysdale, J. S. (2014). The nature of teacher engagement at an online high school. British Journal of Educational Technology, 45(5), 793–806.

OCDSB eLearning. (2015, February 12). Challenges of Teaching Online [Video]. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wUblluygBHE&index=2&list=PL2vDBWMSblHcNvQv-IOWMFm5_Zkzfl7CG