Waiheke High’s media studies teacher Brent Simpson is enjoying the challenge of virtual learning under lockdown. With pupils out of school and attempting to learn online, educators, parents and students are taking part in the biggest educational technology experiment in history – thinking critically, problem-solving, collaborating and being creative as they continue learning in pandemic conditions. “I have been involved with online teaching and learning for most of my career and I have, over the break, been developing tasks that are more pitched to being online and being engaging and fun, so I have been working quite a bit,” Mr Simpson told Gulf News. “I am excited about it as it plays to some of my strengths and skills. Proper teaching and learning online is a full-on experience with heaps of planning and pedagogical approaches; in some ways, this is just band-aiding right now.” Mr Simpson said the Ministry of Education was dealing with some incredibly difficult issues. “They are doing a pretty decent job of doing what they can at the moment – everyone is on a learning curve,” he said. *Liza Hamilton
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