Seizing the Opportunity
One teacher’s perspective on ‘new normal’ instruction
Who knew that everything that I have been working on the past few years as a Career & Technical Education Computer Programming and Cybersecurity instructor would prepare our Fraser students for COVID-19 and a season of quarantine that lasted longer than anyone expected? We were all anxious with the uncertainty of this virus, but that did not stop our Ramblers from learning as they had a smooth transition from faceto-face to remote learning. Fraser Public Schools has provided onetotechnology for years as well as investing in their teachers’ online presence through Blackboard and other webbased environments. Sure, there were some obstacles along the way, but Fraser Public Schools stood strong andwas able to take care of everybody. This was another example of how powerful the Fraser Family can be!
Our learning environment was consistent and easy for students and parents to navigate. Teachers scheduled instructional hours that were flexible andnon-traditional, which meant outside of school hours because student availability varied from home to home. Students demonstratedhowtobe resourceful and connectwith teachers via email, Go-ToMeeting (GTM), Remind, and phone calls. There was minimal training needed to prepare the Fraser staff to move into this remote setting because we have had a virtual presence for some time and administration had done a wonderful job supporting teachers in this realm.
I findmyself to bemore than just a teacher, I am a facilitator, an advocate, and a supporter for our Fraser students. I showed students how to edit digital files for other classes; I taught a parent how to use GTMso they can help their child connect; and I allowed students to demonstrate their knowledge as they chose and if there was a gap, then the enriched dialogue that occurred through the GTM would usually end up going beyond the scope of the curriculum. I provided students opportunities to be independent learners as well as focus on studentcentered learning by making them the presenter and allowing them to discuss their progress in ways I would have not be able to do in a traditional classroom. The reason why this could occur is because studentswere already comfortable with the technology that Fraser has provided. The technology was not something they had to learn to use but rather a tool to enhance their education. Students saw the power of technology and the impact it has had on their learning.
Ramblers who had been quiet in my classroom found their voice navigating our digital ecosystem. Students who would have been happy with a C or a B, were now reaching for that A from the comfort of home! They realize the importance of learning, building learning partnerships with their teachers and peers, and communication. Fraser’s “Portrait of a Graduate” work has proven critical during this unprecedented time. This was evident as students demonstrated Critical Thinking, Collaboration, Creativity, Character, Communication, and Citizenship organically. This experience has proven to many of us that we can adapt, we will survive, and that we are resilient. I am proud of our Ramblers and I am proud to be a Fraser teacher!