Veteran educator adjusts to online teaching

In comfortable clothing all day, Biology teacher Mrs. Carol Macdonald, teaches her class through a computer. 

“The best part of online teaching is the ability to be comfortable while doing your job,” said Macdonald.

Macdonald has been teaching at Salem for 30 years, but when she heard the news that Virginia Beach City Public Schools were going online she had mixed emotions. 

“I was both excited, relieved, and saddened,” said Macdonald. “Excited because it was new, and I thought being at home while I worked would be wonderful (for me).”

However, she also felt saddened about the “inability to interact with the students’ lives.”

During online learning she wishes more students would “turn their cameras on” and “join the games.”

“We could really have a boatload of fun if everyone joined in,” said Macdonald.

Despite McDonald’s concerns, students still believe her class is engaging.

“I think her class is really really fun,” said freshmen Hunter Velzis. “I think that she is probably one of the best bio teachers you can have.”

With the return of in person learning, Macdonald will be able to interact and goof around with her students face to face which is part of what she misses most. 

“Once we get back in school it’s gonna be a great time!” said Velzis.

Even after thirty years of teaching experience, COVID led Macdonald to adapt and change the way she teaches. Virtual learning has made huge changes to teaching and learning, but Macdonald has tackled this task by working to keep her “classroom” fun for her and her students.