Access to HE Lecturer's Reflections on Lockdown Teaching

The following poem has been written by Laura Walker, an Access to HE Lecturer at Lancaster and Morecambe College. It is dedicated to the Access to HE students from Lancaster and Morecambe College - with thanks for a fantastic year.

Teaching in Slippers: An AHE Lecturer’s Reflection on Remote Learning

Presenting on Teams to initials on screen sometimes feels like performing a soliloquy. Hands up at random while their owners deny them and missing a muted epiphany. 

Students are flung from the class as their internets crash and the e-books still are not working. There’s a sudden furore when the post hits the floor, setting Matilda off barking. The only answer in chat was typed by a cat and I’m three weeks behind on my marking. 

I’m wearing slippers but nobody snickers; how can they when they’re still in bed?  I goggle in shock – my washing’s in shot – I’m sure I’d spotlighted my head! With deadlines approaching – yes, we are still recording – submissions appear in earnest. Those using Chromebooks find there’s no love lost and wish they’d bought Mac Pros instead. 

Without being too candid, extensions were granted, still social lives seem like a thing of the past. Time loses meaning with spare bedroom streaming, yet somehow I’m having a blast! A message appears and I’m sensing tears: somebody wants a ‘quick chat’. Quite a while later, crisis averted.  Five minutes – you’re having a laugh! 

Credits accrued, our journey concludes, it’s time to go separate ways. It’s been such a pleasure to share your endeavours but now university awaits. If it all gets too much and you want to give up, just think of the progress you’ve made. Only with dedication can we reach self-actualisation: what we are gifted for must be attained. 

Laura Walker
Access to HE Lecturer's Reflections on Lockdown Teaching
Previous article Next article

Watch Our Client Videos

Ascentis helps change the lives of over 170,000 learners each year. Hear about why our staff love working for us, and why our customers love working with us.

See all

Leicester Adult Skills and Learning Service Speaking about Ascentis English & Maths Stepping Stones

Ascentis has a fantastic suite of English and Maths Stepping Stones qualifications which enable learners to focus on specific skills, build their confidence and progress onto further learning. This testimonial video features Leicester Adult Skills and Learning Service who outline the benefits to them and their learners of using these qualifications.

Watch Video

The City of Liverpool College Speaking about Ascentis Access to Higher Education

Access to HE with Ascentis - We Make a Difference. Watch our Testimonial and hear how it makes a difference to learners and the opportunities it brings.

Watch Video

Best Practice People Speaking about Ascentis Short Online Qualifications

The Ascentis Short Online Qualifications are delivered in many centres across the UK and help to support learners’ Personal Development, Behaviour and Welfare. Listen to Ascentis Customer, Best Practice People talk about how effective the Ascentis Short Online Qualifications are and how they successfully aid their NEET learners, improving skills and confidence in turn helping them secure employment.

Watch Video

Join hundreds of happy centres nationwide

Arrange a meeting

What our happy customers say

“We are very pleased that we made the move to Ascentis for all our ESOL exams. The exams are appropriate for our learners, and lecturers find the marking manageable. As an organisation, Ascentis is a pleasure to work with. Our queries are always dealt with quickly and we are extremely well supported by our verifier.”

Waltham Forest

“We have thoroughly enjoyed our first year with Ascentis. There has been support of a high quality throughout the academic year. Support has been provided through a variety of roles including the quality managers, lead EQA’s and subject moderators.”

Bradford College

“We have been delighted with the impact Ascentis Extended Awards in Mathematical Skills (Stepping Stones) have had on our student’s progression towards their functional skills mathematics as well as preparing them for the completion of their GCSE. It has taught them the essential skills in mathematics which enabled them to deal with the practical problems and challenges of life – at home, in education and at work. These skills are valued by employers and further education, and are a platform on which to build other employability skills. We are also very impressed with the level of service and commitment shown by the staff of Ascentis, they are always available to help whenever help is needed.”

Brent Start

“The transparency and support of Ascentis has been refreshing. Our moderation process has been a pleasure and developmental feedback has always been welcomed.”

Kensington & Chelsea College

11th Dec 2024

Quality Assurance Events

  • AELP
  • CPD Certified
  • FAB
  • Cyber Essentials
  • Natecla
  • Access to Higher Education
  • The Parliamentary Review
  • West Yorkshire Learning Providers
  • Multicultural Alliance
Close
Ascentis customers please login to view full specifications, tracking sheets, sample papers, customer policies and key documents.

Qualifications

Specification Overviews

Key Documents