Online Classes Are Chaos—But These Are Next-Level Crazy
2020 has been a nightmare of a year, but at least we have the internet to keep us connected. The global disruption forced schools all over the world to move online, something no one was prepared to do. So, as you can imagine, there have been some hiccups along the way. And by "hiccups," we mean utter chaos. From snickering teenagers to people getting to see way too much, smoothing out the kinks of remote learning has led to some truly ridiculous stories—and where better to share them than online?
1. A Little Melt Down Time
My teacher was going through a rough time, and the class could feel it. We assured her that we’d done our homework and that she could take rest for the time being.
She agreed and told us she would switch her mic off and sleep for a little, while we did whatever. Her husband was right beside her, and the mic wasn’t off.
She told him, "I am so lucky to have these students," and started sobbing to her husband. We all heard this but kept quiet to prevent her from being embarrassed. She slept well during that time, and we sent her a thank you gift collectively.
2. What a Pleasure
I teach for an online university that requires me to conduct a weekly live session. One morning, I was teaching, and one student popped in late. I said, “Hello, (student name)! Thanks for joining us.” I guess she didn't realize her mic was on, because I definitely wasn't supposed to hear what she said next: “Don’t say my name, loser!” I just laughed it off.
3. Parental Difficulties
Ironically, my IT teacher forgot to turn off his mic and camera and proceeded to get in a very heated argument on the phone with his ex-girlfriend with whom he shares a kid. Did I mention that she’s also a teacher at our school?
Yeah, it was the most awkward five minutes of my life before he realized.
4. In a Hotspot
During my English class, this one girl forgot to mute herself. While my teacher was talking, she almost deafened all of us on the Zoom call answering her mother's questions. Her mother, from a distance, shouted, "What class are you in?"
She yelled back that she was in English class. We heard her ask, “The hot teacher?”
She went, “Yeah, that guy.” Even I'll admit my teacher is fairly attractive, but it gets weird when you involve your mother.
Thankfully, my teacher is a cool guy and thought the whole thing was just kind of funny and gave a gentle reminder to us to keep our mics muted. She didn't say anything for the rest of the class.
