written by Pam Warren
May 22, 2020
I’ve always taken pride in my ability to connect with my students. I know them and know how to reach them. An occasional reminder was needed for some students to sit up, please don’t roll on the floor, and yes, once and only once – we don’t lick our desks.
But, being a teacher in the Zoom era has had me seeing and saying things that I couldn’t have imagined only a few months ago. It’s become such a puzzling experience that I’ve taken to noticing things about my students that are quite unique. I knew them, until Zoom.
There is the fast walker at all times with an iPad student.
Let’s share just one of my eyes student.
Upside down student is alongside the Star Wars lightsaber action hero.
One sweetheart has only a forehead peeking from the bottom of the screen.
Breakfast of champions for the late riser kid.
Of course, there is also the standing only student, so that only a body is visible, never a face.
Did I mention the mute on and mute off repeatedly kid?
There is also the hang over the side of the bed with iPad on the floor student, and the change my background every two minutes student.
Below them is the executive suite kid with a pretty spectacular desk chair.
I particularly love the “my whole family is watching with me” kid.
And then, there are those that snuggle and sit with dogs – real or not, a bird on the shoulder kid, and an “I can’t get my cat to do what I want” kid.
The new to technology student who becomes disembodied by green screen magic seems to amuse and catch the attention of the student who never seems to move.
But, then . . . there is the student, sometimes students, who sign in but don’t show up. Or those who prefer a picture of a car or cat rather than sharing their own face.Or the student who may be anxious for whatever reason and leaves the screen with a wall and empty chair.
The student who arrives 30 minutes early.
The student curled up in bed peeking out from behind a blanket.
The last to leave student . . .
I know their names. I know their mannerisms, their reading levels, who they are as writers, as speakers, as listeners, and now I know . . . I know more. I know them. I see them. I wish I could be with them.
Karen
May 22, 2020 - 1:15 pm ·I retired after a long teaching career last year. This would’ve been hard for me to do. Kids need the one on one, the touch on the shoulder or hug, the promise it will be OK. You’re doing a great job teachers! I know it’s hard, keep it up, they need you.
Gabi Coatsworth
May 28, 2020 - 4:20 pm ·My daughter teaches in Bridgeport, CT, a city with its own problems. She’s commented on the fact that she now knows more about each child’s home circumstances, and that helps explain some of their problems with trying to learn. Some of them don’t even have wifi, and some live in very cramped conditions. It’s a wonder that they try to learn at all. So she gives extra time to those who need it, one-on-one.