A Glimpse into Hybrid Teaching with Dr. Pamela Francis

Dr. Pamela Francis has never been one to sit still for very long, but these days she’s zooming non-stop. After being propelled into the virtual teaching world last March, the Associate Lecturer of English is thanking donors for the new technology that's helping her teach students in-person and on-screen at the same time.
Like most educators, Dr. Francis knows the importance of having a schedule, but finds it even more essential with virtual and hybrid teaching. Although she still begins her work days early, the eerie quietness of the High School Building has taken some adjustment. While some hybrid teaching tasks are similar to what she’s done the majority of her teaching career -- preparing for upcoming classes, grading assignments -- without student workers in the office, she’s also doing a lot of scanning and other administrative tasks. One of the biggest adjustments to Dr. Francis’ schedule has been allotting time to set up for hybrid classes. Thanks to the generosity of donors, she was recently able to get a docking station and 360-degree camera that offer at-home learners a split-screen view of both the classroom and whoever is speaking. 

“These students are sacrificing a lot of what is so inherent to our unique living/learning environment, so it’s really important to me that they are able to connect with each other while experiencing the rigorous learning they came here for.”

The new technology not only saves time while Dr. Francis sets up her hybrid classroom; it also reduces pre-class frustration, giving her freedom to focus on both the subject material and her students.

“Our donors give us the extra benefit of professional development and travel during normal times, supplemental textbooks so we can teach advanced classes, and technological tools that help us do our jobs better,” said Dr. Francis. “I always feel heard and responded to, and I know from experience that isn’t the case in many high schools and even colleges. The people who support LSMSA are part of the reason it’s a great school, because they make it a great place to work for faculty and staff.”
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