Faculty Conquer New Frontier of Hybrid Learning

Science Teacher Joan Gillman teaching virtually using an Owl Labs camera, October 2020. One of the major hurdles of online learning is not being in the physical space of the classroom with students. (Photo: Da Ping Luo)

School in the midst of a pandemic has seen our teachers finding ways to meet the demands of online instruction while still delivering a 62nd street-caliber education.⁠

“The biggest challenge of teaching online is not being in the physical space of the classroom with students and colleagues where more spontaneous interactions happen and that lead to more interesting and unexpected learning,” English teacher Anne Rawley said. “I have to hope students will come to my Zoom office hours, so we can have more one-on-one interactions.”

It is also challenging to administer tests and quizzes. Math teacher Marcia Wallace pointed out that her students’ integrity is a concern for her and other teachers, because when school is online, it is hard, if not impossible, to govern the principles established in The Code of Conduct. 

Conquering this new frontier of online learning can also be more time consuming.

Ms. Wallace, Ms. Rawley and History teacher Brian Plane all agree that they are spending more time out of class on the online platform than in “normal” school, specifically grading work or preparing lessons.

“It just takes so much time. It is off the charts, the amount of time and energy that I give to all of my students,” Ms. Wallace said. “And I hope it's not going to be as wearing on me for the rest of the year as it has been up to now. I'm doing it and loving it, but it's a lot.”

Ms. Wallace has offered her students a review session the night before each quiz or test, and this is an idea that she plans to continue even when Browning goes fully in-person again. Dr. Plane mentioned the switch from Veracross and Google Classroom to Canvas is one he expects the school to stick with even after online-school. Specifically, the discussions feature in Canvas helps the students see one another’s perspective and allows Dr. Plane to let the students learn independently. 

“I think that online learning has the ability to take the teacher and really change them,” Dr. Plane said. “You know, 20 years ago, the ‘Sage on the Stage,’ was probably the traditional teacher's method versus the ‘Guide on the Side’ thinking of today. And I think that online teaching really encourages teachers to be more of that guide on the side.”

 Even a pandemic and remote learning can not diminish the heart of Browning: a sense of community.

“I am surprised how much I feel like I know people I have never met in person.  Browning is a loving and welcoming community that is genuinely positive and devoted to taking care of its teachers, staff, and students, and even through the two dimensional space of Zoom, I feel very connected to the people and the school.” Ms. Rawley said. “ I mostly enjoy online teaching because of the positive attitude of the students who  consistently participate, show up ready to engage, and try new things even though I know they would rather not be on cameras all day long.”