Since schools started closing their doors for the rest of the year, companies like Zoom and Google Meets are being used more frequently. Online classes are now the way we interact with our teachers and peers.

Switching to online classes opens a lot of opportunities for disruption and miscommunication. 

“Online Meets have been productive for my classes,” math teacher Mike Brenneman said. “But I am only using it as office hours for kids to ask questions.

Teachers have seen online meets as a resource to seek help and ask questions rather than teaching lessons. 

Online meets are sometimes the only way students can get the help they need so that time is important. This setting can be disrupted by multiple things such as “zoom bombing” and inappropriate chats. “Zoom Bombing” is when other students are allowed into the meets without teacher’s permission. This problem is affecting many classes at our school.

Principle Chris Botts asks teachers to proceed with caution during online meets.

“I think it is really unfortunate,” Botts said. “Our teachers have worked really hard to provide a good learning opportunity for students. I also know that most students want to learn and get frustrated with the disruption.”

As we navigate through this tough time we need to remember our learning goals and respect others as well.

“If you feel overwhelmed, please talk to your teacher. They are there for you,” Brenneman said. 

Botts said his message to us hasn’t changed much.

“Always be kind, work hard, and be gracious,” Botts said. “I want them to know I miss them. All of our teachers do.”