Interviewer: Hello! Thank you for joining us today. Can you please introduce yourself?
Teacher: Hello! My name is Mary. I’ve been a high school teacher for 9 years, and I’ve been teaching online for the past three years.
Interviewer: What do you think are the biggest benefits of online learning?
🗣 – One big benefit is flexibility. Students can learn at their own pace and even rewatch lessons if they don’t understand something. It also saves time—no need to travel to school. Some shy students also feel more comfortable asking questions online.
Interviewer: Alright! and what are some problems you see with online learning?
🗣 – One big problem is that not all students have a good internet connection or a quiet place to study. Also, it’s harder to keep students motivated. Some students feel alone or get distracted easily at home. It’s not easy to build real connections through a screen.
Interviewer: Do you think online learning is better than classroom learning?
🗣 -I think both have good and bad sides. In the classroom, students can work together and learn social skills. Online learning is better for people who need more time or live far from school. The best idea might be to mix both—what we call “blended learning.”
Interviewer: What do you miss most about the classroom?
🗣 – I miss seeing my students’ faces, hearing their laughter, and working together in real time. Teaching is not just about giving lessons—it’s also about feeling connected. That’s harder online.
Interviewer: What was the most difficult part of switching to online teaching at the beginning?
🗣 – At the beginning, the hardest part was learning how to use all the new technology. I had to quickly learn how to use video platforms like Zoom and tools like Google Classroom. Many teachers, including myself, weren’t trained for this, so it was a bit stressful. Also, not all students joined the classes regularly, so I had to find ways to reach them and keep them involved. It took time, patience, and teamwork with other teachers to get better.
Interviewer: How do you keep students interested during online classes?
🗣 – It’s not easy to keep students focused when they’re at home, surrounded by distractions. So, I try to make the lessons more interactive. I use polls, short videos, and group work in breakout rooms. I also ask more questions and encourage students to speak or type in the chat. When students feel included, they pay more attention. Sometimes, I even let them choose the topic of the lesson, so they feel more involved.
Interviewer: Can online learning help students become more responsible?
🗣 – Yes, in many ways it can. When students are learning online, they need to manage their own time, complete tasks without reminders, and take care of their own learning. These are great life skills. Of course, not everyone learns this quickly, but with practice, many students become more responsible and independent. This can help them not only in school, but also later in work or university.
Interviewer: Do you think online learning helps all types of students equally?
🗣 – No, I don’t think so. Some students do very well online—they are independent and organized. But others need more support. For example, students with learning difficulties or younger children may find it harder to focus or follow instructions. They need more one-on-one help, which is easier in a real classroom. That’s why it’s important to offer different kinds of support and maybe combine online and offline learning to help everyone.
Interviewer: What kind of students benefit most from online learning?
🗣 – Students who are self-motivated and organized usually do very well online. They can plan their day, keep track of assignments, and study without someone always reminding them. Online learning gives them more freedom, and they know how to use it. Also, students who feel shy in class sometimes do better online because they don’t feel nervous speaking in front of a group. They might prefer writing in the chat or answering questions from home, where they feel more comfortable.
Interviewer: Do you think online learning will continue in the future?
🗣 – Yes, I think it’s here to stay. Maybe not full-time, but I believe schools will use more online tools in the future. It’s part of modern education now.
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