Some tech changes are here to stay
The pandemic prompted many changes to the way schools were run and, at Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School, the technology that was used to keep on top of classwork is still being used today. And, says sixth-former REBECCA BURTON, it is still proving very us
THIS time last year, while everyone was still in lockdown and all learning was being conducted remotely, students at QEGS were being taught through computer screens.
While online learning was a temporary necessity and there were some benefits to it – I certainly enjoyed not having to complete the bus journey to and from school each day – most students and teachers would agree that face-toface learning is unquestionably more enjoyable.
A year on, everyone at QEGS is able to feel the benefits of attending school in person, and students appreciate being able to easily take part in extra-curricular activities, spend time with their friends and participate in more practical subjects like PE.
However, even now we have returned to inperson learning, technology now plays a bigger role than ever in education, as the pandemic has fundamentally shifted the way in which schools like QEGS engage with online resources.
Elements of remote learning look set to remain part of secondary education in the long term, and they largely enrich the school experience for both students and teachers.
Since Microsoft Teams became the main tool through which we received our education during lockdown, it has continued to be heavily used, and it is valuable for tracking homework assignments and accessing materials used in lessons.
It has also made communication easier between students and teachers as every class has its own channel, allowing students to ask questions and teachers to give out reminders and information.
This is a particularly valuable tool for sixth form students, as the more independent learning style of A-level courses means it is up to individual students to seek out help when they need it, and online channels of communication with teachers make this much more accessible.
Now, if students have to miss lessons for reasons other than Covid, it is very easy for them to access catch-up work and speak to their teachers.
The increased reliance on technology has also been essential for mitigating the impacts of ongoing disruption in schools due to Covid. At QEGS, assemblies are still conducted virtually. As students and teachers inevitably continue to catch Covid, teachers are now able to continue to give lessons virtually while at home, and students who are isolating are also able to join in with face-to-face lessons online. When one of my close friends came down with Covid, she took part in lessons virtually and my history teacher placed her laptop on the table where she usually sat.
My friends and I could then speak to her and work together as we usually would, even while she was on the other side of a screen.
This was a slightly strange experience, but demonstrated just how deeply the last couple of years have changed education.
Due to continued disruption from Covid, there have been times during this academic year where certain year groups have been told to work from home temporarily.
Having the infrastructure of online learning in place allows students and teachers to quickly adapt to these measures.
In unpredictable times, having the systems set up for remote learning brings more stability to schools and the lives of students.
It is clear that the pandemic has had a dramatic impact on education in the long term, particularly in terms of how technology is utilised in secondary schools like QEGS.
While most students and teachers will not look back fondly on their memories of remote learning during lockdown, the increased use of online resources which began at this time now enriches the experience of face-to-face education, and these resources are undoubtedly here to stay.
The return to in-person learning means technology is playing a bigger role than ever in education.