School not using Video Conferencing but lashing out the homework

gnf_ireland

whatdoicare wrote: »

True. Some teachers arent doing much. A friend of mines child got very,very little, I'm talking "skipping and colouring" and she came to me and took my lesson plan.


But in saying that, the parents that went looking on twinkl or other parents for work will be the ones joining the virtual class and the ones who arent wont be bothered with virtual classes either.


So its swings and roundabouts there. If my ones teacher had offered me nothing I would have just picked random pages out of her books to do and downloaded from twinkl. No parent who actually cares about their childs education is going to just accept
No work and skipping instead.

Absolutely agree 100%

But for many (myself anyway) it’s not about teaching content. I can see what’s in the books that’s coming up next and go to the likes of twinkl etc to get content

It’s about the encouragement and support aspect - esp with younger kids. Before the Easter break we were asked why is x’s teacher sending her back comments when mine is not and why do you never upload my work to google classrooms ? I set up a google classroom for her, just to ‘pretend’ she was sending stuff to the teacher !!! Sad eh !!!

Children need social interaction too. They have had 5 weeks of the family and while it’s been great at times, it’s tough at others. But we are all in this together and know it’s here for the long haul.

It’s just sad and frustrating in equal measures to see the disparity between the efforts of teachers.

c.p.w.g.w

touts wrote: »

Not all networks allow this. You aren't allowed theather with a three account. They will cancel your account and charge you if you are caught doing this.

That's weird, as I am with 3. And often hotspot my phone to download and steam stuff in work

gnf_ireland

Coralcoras wrote: »

My husband is a teacher and currently working to upload work on google classroom using the family laptop. I absolutely oppose the notion of zoom. Where are me and my new baby going to go for the day? The bedroom? Ir should my husband present to his students from his bedroom???

And can I ask what would you do if your husband worked for a company that meant he had to go on calls at this time ?

Zoom allows backdrops to be in place so everything beyond the presenter is a picture. It’s handy in cases like that

This is not ideal for anyone - but maybe zoom is preferable to going back to the school classroom in mid May, which according to the papers is also on the table.

Coralcoras

gnf_ireland wrote: »

And can I ask what would you do if your husband worked for a company that meant he had to go on calls at this time ?

Zoom allows backdrops to be in place so everything beyond the presenter is a picture. It’s handy in cases like that

This is not ideal for anyone - but maybe zoom is preferable to going back to the school classroom in mid May, which according to the papers is also on the table.

So I must breast feed in the back ground and take care of my new baby under a ‘digital cloak’ with office sounds for the foreseeable future? Eh no.. for many obvious reasons. I need the run of both rooms and the house needs to be quiet. Other parents will understand this.

If he was working for a company I would have the same objection. I live in a very small apartment and my newborn needs to sleep.

gnf_ireland

Windorah wrote: »

Exactly my point! A single teacher cannot possibly know what is happening in thirty something homes in order to tailor the resources and info.
Surely the email address is sufficient and you could either request more input or simply query what is being provided?

Many teachers are also battling childcare and working from home at this time...

Why can teachers not accept that a certain level of their colleagues are not pulling their weight and taking the easy option here?

In every place I have worked there have been people who have gone above and beyond and those who do the bare minimum to get by. I seriously doubt teaching is any different and the last few weeks have indicated this. I can accept this is human nature and those who coast will always do so and nothing will change that

But teachers, especially online, defend their colleagues to the death giving every excuse known to mankind and fail to see that maybe, just maybe, there is merit in the point raised

Everyone here is juggling childcare and most with work as well. Teachers are not special in that regard. Now frontline healthcare workers - that’s a different story

Sheep breeder

gnf_ireland wrote: »

And that is your experience and well done to those teachers and schools for it.

By contrast, my youngest daughter got her weekly email sent from the school gmail account this evening. 2 pages of instructions - 50% to be downloaded from Twinkl. There is no mechanism to feed anything back to the teacher and the next we will hear from her is next Sunday or Monday morning.

The older one, a class above, the teacher sends daily notes to the girls (not personalised obviously), puts plenty on google classroom and always responds to homework submitted within 20-30 minutes. She is clearly doing her best

Parents are realists and understand the situation we are in - but an email once a week is poor form and seriously let’s the side down !!

And believe it or not, teacher bashing is not a sport to fill the gap of soccer or GAA. Most people genuinely could not care less what they do - but at time’s like this, even we all have to adapt and work together, some teachers have seriously gone missing with zero accountability and are defended to be extremes by their colleagues, very much creating a us versus them situation

Like your post, we have two girls in secondary and are finding that there is two types of teachers and confirmed what we thought after the teacher parent meeting. The first type who is putting in a huge effort for the kids and the ones just going through the job of throwing out work and no more information and these are the classes the kids hate because of the teacher,
The big worry we have is the one doing the junior cert is putting in huge hours studying and all for what. The other thing is a lot of her friends are doing nothing for the last two weeks and this is stressing her out big time. They are both back to school tomorrow and will be given huge amounts again with some great help and the others who don’t care just not giving a damn.

gnf_ireland

Dr Turk Turkelton wrote: »

We are seriously impressed with the commitment from the young senior infants teacher here as are all the other parents we've been in contact with.
Tbe 2nd class teacher has really shown her true colours though- stereotypical mid 40's with obviously no interest in the job apart from the paycheck- it's disgusting really.
Again the principal is mid 50's and also very impressive in these times.
Have read through posts from some of the teachers in here as well and a lot seem to be on top if their game and should be applauded for that.

Absolutely applaud any teacher making an effort for their students. Absolutely without question !!

gnf_ireland

Coralcoras wrote: »

So I must breast feed in the back ground and take care of my new baby under a ‘digital cloak’ with office sounds for the foreseeable future? Eh no.. for many obvious reasons. I need the run of both rooms and the house needs to be quiet. Other parents will understand this.

If he was working for a company I would have the same objection. I live in a very small apartment and my newborn needs to sleep.

Firstly congrats on your new born and hope you all stay safe and well. Above anything else that matters more than anything

And yes, I can see the reason for your objection. And while companies would be understanding to a point, it would then come down to whether or not he can do his job given the circumstance.

I can assure you if I was in that position and could not go on calls beyond a few days - my job is untenable and I would be furlonged without doubt !!

Sheep breeder

Teach30 wrote: »

I’m already paying €80 pm. I’ve had three at home and reception is terrible which is why I switched.
As I said I don’t want to get in trouble for lack of internet but dept or school not offering me much choice either.

I’ve actually gone onto my local town 15min drive away, sat in car at night on my own and uploaded work. I’ve walked up the road and done the same for sending emails.

Fair play, what I call a proper teacher who cares about the students. Agree about three same problems with work phone and working toughbook from home. But on the other side there is a thick home economics teacher from mayo if a could get my hands on her, I would gladly do time in mount joy as she has one of our kids driven wrong.

Windorah

gnf_ireland wrote: »

Why can teachers not accept that a certain level of their colleagues are not pulling their weight and taking the easy option here?

In every place I have worked there have been people who have gone above and beyond and those who do the bare minimum to get by. I seriously doubt teaching is any different and the last few weeks have indicated this. I can accept this is human nature and those who coast will always do so and nothing will change that

But teachers, especially online, defend their colleagues to the death giving every excuse known to mankind and fail to see that maybe, just maybe, there is merit in the point raised

Everyone here is juggling childcare and most with work as well. Teachers are not special in that regard. Now frontline healthcare workers - that’s a different story

Again, this is kind of my point! I would never dream of saying that ALL teachers are anything. Hence why I am so adamant that each parent should contact the individual teacher.

I had a traumatic birth with one of my kids and the nurses present were absolutely useless but never in a million years would I tarnish all nurses with the same brush.

Sheep breeder

Dylan94 wrote: »

It is not as simple as some make it out to be. I'm a secondary school teacher. I am lucky, since my school has provided laptops.

I have been doing constant online video classes, which for a huge part have been such a waste of time. Most students (even 6th years) don't bother to show up for the lessons and when they do there is very little engagement.

Prior to Easter my living situation allowed me to do online classes. Now they don't as I have moved back to my parents, where it is often noisy and I don't have a suitable place to broadcast from. I will not be inviting students to see me in my bedroom.

Instead I will be uploading 1 hours worth of work for students to do for each of my scheduled classes and uploaded at the end of the day. I will be online to answer questions via email but I won't be doing anymore video calls.

Anyone who is concerned about the level of work being done. I would tell them to relax. Even of the work is done now, it will still have to be done from scratch in a real classroom to ensure that everyone is on the same page when they return.So focus on your child's wellbeing and happiness right now. Not education, the professionals will take care of that when we return.

Also, for what its worth, teaching online has been so much more time consuming than normal classroom teaching. All of the resources have to be adapted to suit online learning. I am genuinely burned out from it.

Reading above you are basically saying that the kids that are working away now are going to have to go back again over this for the dossiers to catch up.

gnf_ireland

Windorah wrote: »

Again, this is kind of my point! I would never dream of saying that ALL teachers are anything. Hence why I am so adamant that each parent should contact the individual teacher.

I had a traumatic birth with one of my kids and the nurses present were absolutely useless but never in a million years would I tarnish all nurses with the same brush.

Sorry to hear that and hope things are ok since then

I can assure you enquiring or complaining about the nurses at the time would have the same effect as talking to teachers who are not putting in effort now. They simply don’t care and nothing is going to change that. Contacting them would just raise frustrations higher. Ultimately there is no accountability in these situations and no repercussions for their actions.

But the sad thing is the actions of the likes of those teachers will end up bringing children back into school earlier than if there was a robust remote teaching practice in place. It’s the other teachers - not the parents - who will ultimately be impacted by the behaviour in the longer term ...

Dylan94

Sheep breeder wrote: »

Reading above you are basically saying that the kids that are working away now are going to have to go back again over this for the dossiers to catch up.

Not just dossers, those with a bad home life, without access to Internet or laptop, with additional needs the prevent from working so much without supervision, those that need the constant encouragement, or need to babysit brothers and sisters, and those that for a million other reasons can't get the work done.

Its also very hard for a teacher to gauge just how well students understand a topic without physically being present.

gnf_ireland

Dylan94 wrote: »

Not just dossers, those with a bad home life, without access to Internet or laptop, with additional needs the prevent from working so much without supervision, those that need the constant encouragement, or need to babysit brothers and sisters, and those that for a million other reasons can't get the work done.

Its also very hard for a teacher to gauge just how well students understand a topic without physically being present.

But unless a decision is made to shorten the curriculum, the same material will need to be covered so the pace will have to be faster. Those students that have done little are likely to fall behind faster.

This issue does not end in June. It’s effect might still be evident in 2-3 years from an academic point of view

Coralcoras

AmberGold wrote: »

I have three children under 12, none of their schools are taking the opportunity to avail of the latest technology to provide lessons.

Given WhatsApp, Teams and Zoom etc are free this is disappointing as all we seem to have is teachers flinging homework over the wall & lots of it at that.

I appreciate teachers have their own children to look after but an hour or two a day wouldn’t be too much to ask.

Is this unique to the schools my children attend or are our educators missing a trick, I’m thinking about contacting the principal of the school to voice my concern.

Just a suggestion. Why don’t you breath and relax. Maybe take a small break from boards?

Regarding the lessons..
If I were in your shoes, I’d disregard the loads of homework being sent your way. Focus on English and Math, as these will serve your children well in our apocalyptic future. Spend an hour at each subject each day, followed by a 15 minute reflection on the the learning goals to really let the new information sink in. Then why not play a game for 20 minutes to help them de-stress and reset the mind.

Don’t worry, you’re not going to get lines for missing the homework.

In these exceptional times, that is what I’m doing for my nine year old. I’m busy too, I have a new baby and it’s working out well for me.

Windorah

gnf_ireland wrote: »

Sorry to hear that and hope things are ok since then

I can assure you enquiring or complaining about the nurses at the time would have the same effect as talking to teachers who are not putting in effort now. They simply don’t care and nothing is going to change that. Contacting them would just raise frustrations higher. Ultimately there is no accountability in these situations and no repercussions for their actions.

But the sad thing is the actions of the likes of those teachers will end up bringing children back into school earlier than if there was a robust remote teaching practice in place. It’s the other teachers - not the parents - who will ultimately be impacted by the behaviour in the longer term ...

I agree with you to some extent but perhaps I'm biased because of my own circumstances but I feel they at least should be given the benefit of the doubt and given the chance to redeem themselves!

For full disclosure I teach children with severe to profound intellectual disabilities and am now fully reliant on the parents communicating with me and stating their exact needs at this time.

Dylan94

gnf_ireland wrote: »

The same material will need to be covered so the pace will have to be faster. Those students that have done little are likely to fall behind faster.

Likely correct, and while I don't know how primary schools will deal with it. In secondary school there is a lot of room to cut the fat, and get directly into content that is necessary to complete for exams etc.

This is a potential disadvantage of online teaching as students from lower income families are less likely to be supporting them in their learning at this time, further disadvantaging the student. The more well off student with the time, resources and support will be further ahead and do better in exams.

An Ri rua

The Bishop Basher wrote: »

Well they’re going to have to figure it out.

Times have changed for the foreseeable future.

No they're not. Since when do employees have to do solo runs and figure things out? This is the remit of the Dept of Education. Catch yourself on.

ldy4mxonucwsq6

gnf_ireland wrote: »

But unless a decision is made to shorten the curriculum, the same material will need to be covered so the pace will have to be faster. Those students that have done little are likely to fall behind faster.

This issue does not end in June. It’s effect might still be evident in 2-3 years from an academic point of view

Or instead of cutting the curriculum a decision is made to extend the school year this summer to make up for how many weeks have been missed.

Probably the best option, they'll have missed 5 weeks of actual school time (not including easter hols) come 5th of May so quite feasible to cut the school summer holidays by that much if the schools were in a position to reopen at that point.

Charles Babbage

Coralcoras wrote: »

My husband is a teacher and currently working to upload work on google classroom using the family laptop. I absolutely oppose the notion of zoom. Where are me and my new baby going to go for the day? The bedroom? Ir should my husband present to his students from his bedroom???

It is worth noting that Zoom has a virtual background feature, which works well and is easy to use. So he can change his background to anything from a white wall to a tropical beach, he could even use a picture of the school classroom if he has one. So at least for Zoom there is no question of people seeing your house, if you do not want them to. That is not in itself a justification for Zoom.

gnf_ireland

Dylan94 wrote: »

Likely correct, and while I don't know how primary schools will deal with it. In secondary school there is a lot of room to cut the fat, and get directly into content that is necessary to complete for exams etc.

This is a potential disadvantage of online teaching as students from lower income families are less likely to be supporting them in their learning at this time, further disadvantaging the student. The more well off student with the time, resources and support will be further ahead and do better in exams.

The big gap between disadvantaged and others at this stage will be the effort, focus and support the parents put into their kids education at this time. Nothing really to do with money - it all goes back to time and prioritisation of education. Lower income families tend not to prioritise it as much and this ends up being reflected in the grades.

This is not new. When when I was in school a quarter century ago, the kids always done better academically if the parents prioritised education.

So yes, those who study during this period is likely to be reflected when their exams come around ... and will always have a head start on those that don’t

Guy:Incognito

LaLa2004 wrote: »

https://www.google.com/amp/s/amp.independent.ie/world-news/coronavirus/dublin-gaa-club-apologises-to-parents-after-kids-online-coaching-session-is-zoombombed-with-inappropriate-content-39103093.html

Here's one issue with Zoom, particularly when dealing with those under 18.

Thats a gob****e issue, not a zoom issue. They publicly posted the link to the session.

"The club had posted the access link to the online Zoom meeting on its own Facebook and Twitter accounts yesterday to give parents advance notice of the session."

maninasia

Teach30 wrote: »

I wouldn’t have a 5 minute chat with students in school why would I want to chat with them over zoom? My personality type doesn’t suit “chatting” it’s not something I find easy. I can’t imagine I’m alone in this. In fact I can safely say I’d find chatting one on one very awkward, even if I had the technology for it.

Grand in school if it’s related to a piece of work or giving advice on work but a 5 minute casual conversation with a student is not realistic .

Why are you a teacher if you are afraid of it interacting with students or working in a noisy environment?

gnf_ireland

Ricky Wonderful Addict wrote: »

Or instead of cutting the curriculum a decision is made to extend the school year this summer to make up for how many weeks have been missed.

Probably the best option, they'll have missed 5 weeks of actual school time (not including easter hols) come 5th of May so quite feasible to cut the school summer holidays by that much if the schools were in a position to reopen at that point.

Not a chance this will happen ... and would be very unfair on those teachers doing their best right now

What I would like to see the unions propose is if primary schools cannot open in June, take summer holidays a month early and come back at the start of August. Give everyone a chance to get a proper workable solution in place

Secondary is tricky due to leaving cert

gnf_ireland

maninasia wrote: »

Why are you a teacher if you are afraid of it interacting with students or working in a noisy environment?

Let’s try not make this personal !!

touts

c.p.w.g.w wrote: »

That's weird, as I am with 3. And often hotspot my phone to download and steam stuff in work

Go onto your 3 account and check the terms and conditions. This is specifically called out as a breach of the terms and they can charge you if they catch you. Many people get away with it but I'd say as usage increases with people streaming from home then the networks will be all over this and some whopping bills will be issued in the coming months.

BonsaiKitten

Ricky Wonderful Addict wrote: »

Or instead of cutting the curriculum a decision is made to extend the school year this summer to make up for how many weeks have been missed.

Probably the best option, they'll have missed 5 weeks of actual school time (not including easter hols) come 5th of May so quite feasible to cut the school summer holidays by that much if the schools were in a position to reopen at that point.

Teachers would be due extra pay for summer in that case. The holidays are technically unpaid - the yearly wage just gets averaged out over 12 months.

I think gnf's idea is more plausible, there could be time for classes to transition to their new teacher then as well. That will be a big help for young primary classes.

Guy:Incognito

Teach30 wrote: »

No it’s the reality of my situation.

I’ll gladly take any suggestions as how to remedy the situation. If the school opened tomorrow I would willingly stream my teaching from there but I will not invite students into my bedroom - where I work from.

What difference does it make that the bit of wall behind you happens to be in the bedroom?

No one is saying put it in the corner so the whole room is visible and conduct any discussion while walking up and down the room.
They only need to see you from the chest up.

ldy4mxonucwsq6

gnf_ireland wrote: »

Not a chance this will happen ... and would be very unfair on those teachers doing their best right now

What I would like to see the unions propose is if primary schools cannot open in June, take summer holidays a month early and come back at the start of August. Give everyone a chance to get a proper workable solution in place

Secondary is tricky due to leaving cert

Yes that would be another good solution. They could align with the secondary schools to do the same (take May, June and July as summer holidays for secondary).

Mocks are held during normal school year and take the full exam format/set up, so no reason why leaving cert couldn't take place in August and everyone back to school come August as well, virus permitting of course.

If any 'extra' school weeks are undertaken as part of the solution then I'm sure it would be fair once teachers are paid for the extra time.
The unions won't have any clout given the circumstances.

Teach30

Guy:Incognito wrote: »

What difference does it make that the bit of wall behind you happens to be in the bedroom?

No one is saying put it in the corner so the whole room is visible and conduct any discussion while walking up and down the room.
They only need to see you from the chest up.

Right and have my mother roaring at me do I want my dinner/am I going to the shop now/will I answer the phone/what am I doing etc etc or their grandchildren running in on top of me - they have NO boundaries. I would actually be mortified for my students to see that living situation. I am not willing to risk it to be honest.

Overall I’d like to point out that while it may seem that a teacher is doing very little you have no idea what is going on in their lives.

I’m struggling as it is being at home caring for my elderly parents. The lack of contact with friends, the fact my wedding has been cancelled and I can’t see my fiance. My nerves are in shreds, I can’t sleep and I also have to worry about not getting in trouble for lack of internet access. When in reality I am trying my very best to stay on top of things but I feel like I’m sinking as I have no routine in my life.

Let me back in a classroom and I will gladly teach from there.