Students, Teachers Excel at Online Learning

-Story by Jamie Applegate

Voluntarily, Hyeongjun Lee wakes up at 1 a.m., turns his computer on and logs on to class. His instructors’ faces fill the screen early in his morning, beaming all the way from San Joaquin Memorial. Hyeongjun, who also goes by Edward, decided to attend his Zoom classes at SJM live all the way from South Korea. He’s just one example of how SJM’s students and staff have adapted to online learning. 

Senior Faith Rosky (pictured above right) is another student who is readily adapting to online learning. Her mother Hope said Faith, who is new to SJM, has been impressed with the quality of online learning this semester and is adapting to the experience. 

“She is having a positive experience with online learning,” Hope said. “Like my daughter, many students see today’s learning culture to be somewhat obtuse. What is important to consider is our teachers are working diligently to make each online session meaningful. I am fortunate enough to be in the home and listen to valuable lessons being taught by the outstanding Panther teachers. They are doing a wonderful job utilizing breakout sessions and the students are having thought-provoking meetings.” 

Teachers have also had to adapt to the challenges and opportunities posed by continued virtual learning. For English and Religion teacher Carlie Frye, this has meant working to make every single lesson as engaging and interactive as possible. Her sophomore students came up with the creative idea to utilize Zoom backgrounds to do mini-skits (pictured below).

Frye also gives students creative leeway in assignments. Her students in her AP Lit and World Lit courses have had the chance to illustrate quotes collected from their summer reading. For her Religion class, she leads guided meditations and prayers. She also has a theme song for each class and offers “brain breaks” where students can listen to soothing music. 

SJM has stepped up to the plate when it comes to online learning. It seems that, so far, this semester has been a home run.