AS EARLY as May 2020, I have been spending nights planning to teach online.
I believe the activities should fit the subject matter and that the course outcomes should be looked into. Since it was my choice to teach more than one subject, I must make sure that I do not shortchange my students. I must see to it that I complete teaching the essential topics. Honestly, it had been my regular schedule to prepare for my next week's class a week ahead of time because I want to be organized when I teach online. My whole week seems to always be busy. Although it gives me happiness, it also depletes much of my energy.
I guess first it is because of being in front of the computer for too long. I have what they call "computer headaches" which may be caused by a combination of the glare on the screen, and of lack of good lighting in my workplace at home. When somebody in the family uses my computer and then changes the brightness and the color of the screen, I tend to be uncomfortable when it's my turn to use it. I would honestly say that this contributes to the depletion of my energy but again even with the extended hours in the computer, it still makes me happy. At the end of the day, I love reading the requirements of my students.
During online class, it sometimes feels like I am talking to myself. When we were starting out, there were only about two absences but later there were more and more absent students because of the poor internet connection. I would honestly say that this frustrates me thereby depleting my energy. But there is still great joy due to the presence of students who attend the class with interest. Given the student's failure to attend the class, they still find time to send their formative assessments.
I would also say that I am just fulfilling my promise to my students when I answer their queries beyond the class time because I always tell them that in cases of further questions about the subject matter, they should not hesitate to message me any time in our group chat.
It has always been my passion to listen to anyone, happy or sad stories, I humbly told my students, in cases, they need somebody to listen, they may send me an email or an FB message indicating the word -- "URGENT". I have received several messages and I would say that even my physical body says I cannot deeply listen, but my spirit says that my heart can still hear that much. I guess it is in teaching and listening to people's hearts, whether joyful or in despair that makes me feel human, fully alive. And maybe this is the reason why God has created me and others who indeed share the same of my passion.