Bengaluru: Nine months into virtual classes, teachers suffer online fatigue

BENGALURU: Nine months into online classes, teachers across Bengaluru are reeling under fatigue and are longing to return to classrooms. They say their work has doubled and the long hours spent in front of a screen have not only led to health problems, but have also left them mentally drained and exhausted.
Teachers say they need a couple of hours to prepare for a 45-minute class since they need to prepare Powerpoint presentations, quizzes and other activities to make classes interactive and engaging.
“Online classes have resulted in a lot of learning and unlearning,” said Swetha Om Guru, a class 4 and 5 English teacher at School of India. “A 30-minute class would need 60 minutes of preparation. My colleagues who teach science and maths have to budget even longer hours for preparation, while other language teachers take longer still as they have to type in those languages. The increased screen time has resulted in headaches, back and neck pain.”
Assessments, which are also online, also keep them in front of laptop-screens for much longer, teachers say. Many schools ask students to write answers, convert them into PDF files and upload them for teachers to evaluate.
“Nine months on, we are familiar with the system, but it’s no longer exciting because we do not have any connect with students,” said Vanishree AN, biology teacher at Airforce School, Hebbal. “Sometimes we wonder if children are even on the other side. There’s no body movement at all while sitting in front of the screen for hours. We have run out of enthusiasm.”
Parents are adding to the stress since they sit beside their children and judge teachers. “There is a lot of tension because one is constantly worried about internet connectivity,” said Meena Lona, a social science teacher. “When the connection snaps, parents become impatient with us. Their constant presence and interference in classes only adds to the tension. I know teachers who have been requesting a break. I myself am on a special diet due to resultant health issues.”
Work-at-home has also blurred boundaries on worklife balance. “Children call up at all hours to clear doubts. And, it’s our duty to help them. The day sometimes ends as late as 11pm,” said Rangalakshmi, a teacher from Basveshwara Educational Institute.
Tejasvii Ballari of Poornaprajna Education Centre, Srikrishna Nagar, said: “Work has increased manifold. It’s not just about the physical strain, but it leaves us with no family time. I haven’t had time to read a book or pursue my hobby of painting since the pandemic broke.”
While teachers are grateful for the learning opportunities the pandemic has offered, now all they want to do is to get back to classes on campuses.