Blended Learning A ‘Difficult’ Challenge For Students, Teachers

“A lot of change happening fast.”

That is Anglophone South School District Superintendent Zoe Watson’s take on education in a pandemic.

In a year-end interview, Watson said the added challenge this year has been figuring out how to do things safely.

Blended learning at high school was brand new for New Brunswick and she thinks it has evolved and will keep doing so.

“That has been difficult. And it’s been difficult to stay connected with students on their ‘learning at home day’ and how they do that. I know teachers are posting videos,” Watson said.

Watson says it’s been challenging for students who miss being in school every day

“Students are missing clubs and sports and choirs and drama productions. Those activities really help students stay connected to school,” Watson said.

Watson said time for social and emotional learning were built into the curriculum this year.

She said Anglophone South consulted with experts on how to get through the pandemic with their students and staff.

“That professional would tell us this year it’s about connections and it’s about relationships,” Watson said.

Watson said the expert jokingly said, “the three Rs this year are relationships, relationships, relationships”.