Education Minister On Misbehaviour In Online Classrooms

Education Minister Dr Nyan Gadsby-Dolly has commented on incidents of disrespect towards teachers last week, in the online environment. She notes that even though learning is now taking place online, it is still a classroom, and believes there is no room for misbehaviour. In a Facebook post on Saturday evening, the Minister notes that all stakeholders are experiencing differing levels of stress as they navigate the new experience, but teachers are on the frontline. She says many of them spend hours preparing work and organizing themselves to deliver the best of their ability and believes they deserve full respect and support. The Minister notes that teachers being exposed to disrespect in recorded classes can be humiliating and is urging all stakeholders to encourage respect for each other in the online environment. At least one Port of Spain secondary school had to suspend its online orientation last week after several students began using obscenities while the principal and teachers were conducting the session. A report has been submitted to the Ministry of Education. The accounts of the students have been suspended and efforts are being made to locate the offenders.