Providing a platform for connections

THE sudden switch to online education has been a steep learning curve for teachers, students and parents.

But Taroona High School teacher Scott MacCrum said it had also been a time of great encouragement and support within the wider school community, which would help strengthen relationships as students prepared to return to classes.

The school, which has more than 1000 students, has been using a program called Canvas to stay in touch with pupils working from home in recent weeks.

“When we were aware of COVID-19, our staff saw that there was a massive need to learn how to deliver course work online to our students,” the Year 8 teacher said.

“Our staff did not hesitate to learn the skills required. For quite a few staff this was a big learning curve.’’

Mr MacCrum, who has been a teacher for 20 years, including seven years at Taroona, said staff worked long hours to build online skills and plan units of work for students.

His role has been to provide professional learning and support to teachers, students and parents, a job he has found rewarding.

One of his students nominated him in the Mercury’s Top Teachers campaign.

“It has been wonderful to see such energy and enthusiasm from the school community around the use of online platforms such as Canvas,’’ Mr MacCrum, of Lenah Valley, said.

“For some years, we have known that online learning is important for students to remain engaged, connected and learn at school and at home, and this pandemic has emphasised how important online learning is to teachers, students and parents. Our students and parents have been amazing during this time.

“They have shown great patience and have understood that teachers have been actively learning how to use online platforms.

“They know that their teachers care for them and want them to be learning and feeling connected during this time. We thank the parents and students for their positive and heartwarming feedback.

“I would also like to recognise all the teachers who have been working hard to ensure our students and families are feeling connected.”