I just started a new semester of online English classes and I could not be more excited. With all the issues we have faced and some new challenges coming up in the next months, we need the money dearly.
Every semester poses academic challenges that require planning and adjustments; the physical demands of a seemingly low-impact job can also take a toll on us.
Academically, one of the main challenges has been to persuade students that having their cameras on is in their best interest.
Amazingly, we have had to apply some disciplinary measures to ensure more participation, interaction and socialization. The online format is such a different animal to tame.
Fortunately, the groups I got this semester seem willing to embrace the demand and take advantage of the opportunity they are getting (all of them have been granted scholarships).
Another challenge has to do with the new academic trends that threaten academic integrity. In a course that does not reward oral communication on the assessment sheer (despite encouraging in in the daily classes) it is easy for students to get minimum passing grades without orally proficient. A. I. Is being used in written assignments and work loads prevent any extra time to track plagiarism and deal with the complications of make-up evaluations and students complaints.
On top of that, we have to deal with the pressure of having the maximun passing rates possible (to make the program financially viable) and provide students with the best training possible so they can pass standardized proficiency tests.
I have to get used to the exhausting numbers of hours sitting and having only 10 mins to have lunch and dinner. It reminds me of my college years when we had 5 mins to have lunch at the cafetería and be back on time for.afternoon classes.
I don't complaining, though. I do my best to provide students with the best academic experience and, if they allow it, to pass on some wisdom for their future academic endeavors. As any teacher can attest, we are not always successful or understood, but that is always motivation to find better ways to teach what we think will make them better students and better human being.
