Penn-Trafford High School has been closed since March 16 due to the spread of the highly contagious coronavirus. On account of schools across the state being closed indefinitely, classes at P-T were moved online starting March 30.
Not only has the change been an adjustment for the students, but the teachers have had to modify as well.
James Rocco, Forensic Science teacher, said he has had to adjust to not doing labs in some of his classes.
“In Forensic Science 2, we were supposed to finish up a forensic arson investigation by burning models, that’s out. For Forensic Science 1, we have the Lee Harvey Oswald Trial coming up, we may have to host it through Google Meet,” said Rocco. “We [also] have a forensic entomology lab that we normally do which involves a lab on maggots and flies. That one is tough to duplicate, remotely. But, I will figure it out.”
The adjustment has been a challenge for art teachers as well. Jen Haberberger, an Art Extensions teacher, said she has had to adjust to not using the school’s Photoshop software for art assignments.
“I’ve been doing a ton of research on what software can be compatible with what we do in my classroom on macs and what students can do on chromebooks. I haven’t had responses from everyone yet that they are up and running with appropriate software for them to work successfully on art extending… Adobe has granted any school district who already has an account can access their accounts at home through the end of being at home with online learning. They can log on through their google account and access Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop at home,” stated Haberberger.
Regardless of the struggles with online school, teachers still see some advantages.
“There are benefits for me that I’ve had to learn new ways to approach what I’m trying to convey. It’s been fun in that way that I can research and take advantage of all of the free opportunities many companies are extending to teachers due to our current at home situation,” said Haberberger.
Most teachers have used Google Classroom for assignments and some have utilized Google Meet for live classroom sessions.
Rocco stated, “In the beginning it was awkward, but I have gotten used to it. It’s not ideal, obviously, but it is necessary. I especially think the live classroom sessions are necessary. So, we make the best of it and keep moving in a positive direction.”
Teachers have done the best they can to accommodate the students, and in response the students have responded well to the teachers’ online teaching.
“Most of my students seem okay with the need to host remote learning and the work. However, they do miss the normalcy and social interactions,” said Rocco.
The faculty and administration has handled the switch to online learning very well and has done their best to help the students of P-T.
“Everyone is doing the best that they can. This is unprecedented and no one really knows how to handle it. For us to be up and online a week and a half after we left school is impressive. Administration has been extremely supportive and patient. They know that we want the absolute best for our students,” said Haberberger.
Aside from work, they have also done their best to motivate the students through these difficult times.
“Just continue moving forward. You just gotta wake up, get rolling and find a way to get through these uncertain times. We need to continue to listen and respond to what the Governor and our local authorities ask us to do,” remarked Rocco.
The need to look towards positive possibilities and being able to move forward was a very important message that Rocco has followed.
“We all have a responsibility to invest in our time, make a difference, somehow, some way. The uncertainty of these times will end and normal life will continue, just make sure you are better tomorrow, than you were yesterday by the work you are doing today,” he concluded.
Maddie Decker, A&E Editor