Teachers’ Stories: Europe
Name
Aoife Denton
School
Ardscoil Na Mara Secondary School
Country
Ireland
What is your message to the global educational community?
We are slowly getting better at remote teaching and learning. There are three stages/ phases as described to us : firefighting (first 3 weeks), moving on to striving ( 3 more weeks ) and then Thriving. We can only advance through each phase by collaborating with our school staff, peers and our community. Take your time in each phase and the outcome will better. Move slowly and you will bring more people with you. It is hard with the challenges faced by some not to be left behind so encourage communication and reach out to those not engaging!
What does learning looks like for your school community at this time?
We are using Google Classroom to reach out to our students and teach. We also use google Hangouts and Zoom to connect with staff and students. All students and staff have email and we communicate through this and our school App.
What challenges are there?
- Lack of hardware.
- Lack of wifi.
- Lack of motivation to engage.
- Lack of digital skills.
Where do you see signs of hope?
We see students reaching out to staff and each other. We see upskilling happening rapidly among staff and students.
Name
Sinéad Collins
School
St Kevin’s College, Dublin
Country
Ireland
What is your message to the global educational community?
Mind yourself, take pressure off yourself by keeping things simple online. Stay connected to your students the phone calls made as home school liaison are so appreciated by parents and students. Stayed connected to your colleagues. Be well!
What does learning looks like for your school community at this time?
We are using Edmodo. Teachers are setting work, available online to instruct by messaging & correct work sent back. We are offering all usual student support team services fir eg guidance, counseling, parental support, school meal provision. We are making regular contact by social media, text, phone call through home school liaison, year head, etc.
What challenges are there?
- “Lack of resources & facilities in the home ie space, IT facilities.
- Parents stressed over job loss, worried about elderly relations cocooning, students lack motivation.
- Uncertainty over Leaving Certificate exams is having a negative impact on student mental health.
- Working from home with a young family.
- Switching to an online mode of instruction can be problematic for our SEN students.
Where do you see signs of hope?
Students beginning to engage more as time goes on. Teachers are being extremely resourceful and sharing best practice showing great collegiality.
Name
Katie Dixon
School
Birches Head Academy
Country
England
What is your message to the global educational community?
We will continue to provide for our deserving students.
What does learning looks like for your school community at this time?
We are using the school sharepoint and Microsoft teams to provide virtual lessons for students. We can live chat to address any questions. Work is submitted for marking and feedback. Students that can not access a computer to complete work have been provided with an exercise book, some are using phone/tablet to access teams and upload images of work. Those that have no internet access are being sent paper packs of work that we have uploaded to the sharepoint for office staff.
What challenges are there?
Challenges are based on technology usage, availability and sharing for students.
Where do you see signs of hope?
I see signs of hope in the dedication that the majority of students have shown. They’re eager for feedback and still want to learn and improve their skills.
Name
Joanne Breen
School
Doon CBS
Country
Ireland
What is your message to the global educational community?
These are challenging times. No child will miss out because of this. Do what his possible and don’t put any extra pressure on your family.
What does learning looks like for your school community at this time?
See saw platform, e-mail weekly with a suggested daily schedule. Teachers check in with all students mid week and Friday.
What challenges are there?
- Lack of interaction
- Lack of resources at home
- Lack of knowledge from staff with See Saw
Where do you see signs of hope?
Staff morale and willingness of staff to engage and learn.
Name
Edmond Hussey
School
Christian Brothers College
Country
Cork, Ireland
What is your message to the global educational community?
“It’s great to see the unity, all the people that coming together. The proverb in Irish, ‘ní neart go cur le chéile’, you don’t appreciate the power of coming together until you see it in operation. (there is no strength without unity,’
Also these words keep us all going from legendary Mícheál Ó Muircheartaigh, Irish GAA Radio commentator. ‘Dúiseacht le dúthracht le breacadh an lae’. (wake with enthusiasm at the dawning of the day). “
What does learning looks like for your school community at this time?
We use: Google Classroom, Google Meets – Hangouts – Live classes and Check ins. Wizer. Me, EdPuzzel, Quizzes, Flipgrid.com; Communication with parents via the MySchool App. Telephone support with SEN Department via students of additional needs.
What challenges are there?
- Engagement Difference response rates for different classroom exercises and homework.
- Wifi capabilities in rural areas.
- Demand on devices during working from home.
- Family demands re amount of tablets, laptops, PC, Chromebooks.
- Children from primary to college students.
- Parents working from home leads to huge demands on connectivity.
Where do you see signs of hope?
People will be kinder after Covid19. Excellence in learning via online platforms. Exceptional work by students and resilience shown by student body. People supporting each others mindfulness and positive mental health. Teachers capacity to adapt to evolving technologies hence leading to upskilling via personal learning in Education and CPD online.