FOT teachers explain struggles; New way of teaching and learning

     This year with virtual learning has caused FOT teachers to struggle with finding different lesson plans, considering their classes are usually hands on.  

      Mr. Timothy Pistel, who teaches FOT, says it is hard to keep students interested while online. Instead of their normal hands-on projects, they are doing a lot of computer-based programs like drafting and coding.   

     “I think it’s been tough for most students. I know it must be hard to sit behind a screen all day long – it is for us too,” Pistel states. He also says he has seen a lot of students working hard and is very impressed with their work ethic at this time.  

      This FOT teacher  says it is hard to get materials to students for activities, but they have found a way to make it work. “My advanced classes will be getting Arduino electronics kits to work with but for the most part, we will be doing projects with materials like cardboard that people have easy access to,” he said.  

      He explains that the biggest challenge for him is not seeing students faces. He thinks it would go much better if students left their cameras on throughout class, because it would help the teachers and the students stay focused.  

     FOT teacher,  Pistel, says he likes to think positive and says he likes having extra time on Fridays to meet with students who need extra help.  

      “There are a lot of students that I don’t even know what they look like much less anything about their interests and personalities,” Mr. Pistel said. He wishes he could get to know the students more while being online.  

     According to FOT teacher Mr. Brian Dougherty, they have done a few building activities at home with items students can find around their house. “Aside from the hands-on activities, we are also using several different presentation websites and apps such as MS Sway and Adobe Spark. We have been doing some coding and building houses and apartments using online sites such as Floor planner and Home styler.” Dougherty states.  

     Mr. Dougherty says, “The hardest part of not being in class is not being able to see everyone and have the fun we would normally have in the real classroom.” Mr. Dougherty says that despite virtual classes, he tries to get to know students by just starting random conversations with them to get to know them.  

     Mr. Dougherty explains “While there are some who love it others are faced with a challenging home environment. Some are struggling with mental health issues associated with being disconnected from friends and teachers. Isolation can be a relaxing change -but long-term is not healthy.”