Teachers are finding that there are more demands and challenges when it comes to teaching online, but are adjusting to make it work efficiently and effectively. 

OHS teacher Mrs. Amy Crean, who is celebrating her 10th year of teaching, admits that “teaching in a project-based setting has been challenging this year.” The English teacher said that she is persevering through the difficult challenges, and that she misses the everyday interactions she has with her students in-person. Crean has also experienced challenges involving technology. 

“Louie, my son, threw out the (WiFi) extender,” said Crean. “I was able to rescue it from the trash can. He said ‘Oh, that? I threw it away because I didn’t like it.’” 

Mr. Ron Thompson, who teaches Algebra and AMPED classes, has also found issues related to WiFi. 

He said, “Typically I have 3 or 4 students a day say they can’t get into a Meet.” He has also had difficulties getting his internet connection to work as well. Thompson finds that there are many struggles when it comes to learning online, and that it’s hard to establish relationships with his students. 

“The relationships aren’t as strong. It is much more of a challenge to intervene if a student is struggling virtually,” said Thompson. 

Some teachers have expressed their frustration when students won’t turn on their cameras. 

“I don’t like the fact that students can ‘hide’ because I don’t know that they are fully engaged,” said Mrs. Cynthia Evans, business educator. Evans says that it is difficult to tell if students are staying fully connected when she asks questions and no one answers. She also claims that she dislikes not being able to hand out assignments and that some activities are harder to teach. 

“It will just take time to get used to it,” said Evans. 

No matter the technology issues that may occur during class, it seems that teachers are trying to make online teaching work. 

Teachers are also going to have to make a quick switch back to in-person classes, which will begin on Oct. 27th. 

This is a big step for the OHS students and staff. Evans believes that it will take some time for everyone to get used to the new schedule. Evans said she is also a bit worried about in-person learning. 

“Am I worried, yes, a little,” said Evans. “Concerned that everyone may not practice care like others.” She fears that she may contract the virus, which is “a natural instinct, I think.”

Thompson has had similar concerns. Students will be spending less time at school, so he fears that it will be a difficult challenge to implement the critical standards in the classroom. Still, he is looking forward to seeing his students in person and “excited about coming back into the building.”

Crean says she is excited to see everyone as well. “I am primarily worried about everyone’s safety. But I’m mostly just happy to see everyone!”

The teachers at OHS sure have been working hard this semester.