The Avant Gardist
May 11,2010

Nicholas Perih
Social Studies / Civics Teacher

Hi, my name is Nicholas Perih and I am new teacher at Myron B. Thompson Academy. When I was given the opportunity to teach online at MBTA, I jumped at the chance to reach and connect with students all over Hawaii. While I had teaching experience and even understood the benefits of using technology in the classroom, I had never actually taught in a virtual environment. Thus far, my experience has been exciting and positive!

As a traditional classroom teacher for the past few years. I was beginning to see the limits to a “bricks and mortar” school. For example, students in my first class of the day were often tired and sleepy. These students explained to me that if they had their own way, they would prefer to learn later in the day when they would be more perceptive. I don’t blame them! It can be very difficult to focus at seven o’clock in the morning.

Another issue was the pace of my class. Students have different learning styles, and some need more time than others to complete various tasks. What works for one student does not always work for another. The class structure at MBTA allows my students to work around their own schedules and at their own pace. A current student recently told me that this took a lot of pressure off him, and in turn has improved his overall focus and the quality of his work.

I have come to discover that teaching online is a highly interactive process where I have gotten to know most, if not all of my students on a personal level. I have been able to access my students and them me, at all hours of the day and night. This type of individualized attention is unparalleled in any other institution of learning of which I’ve been a part, and the benefits for students have been astounding.

In my opinion, Myron B. Thompson Academy is unique from other institutions of learning in that there is a profound focus on both student learning and teacher development. My students live in a world where technology is a large part of their daily lives, and I have been given the tools to create engaging learning opportunities using technology to meet the needs of these learners.