Helping When You’re the Ones Who Need Help
“It's been a huge challenge for our ESL students to learn remotely,” says Reynolds ESL Reading and Writing Instructor Judi Moy. “Many lack technology skills and come from countries where they never had computers or keyboarding.”
But that minor detail didn’t stop Judi, or her students from continuing their classes to complete the spring semester online. Knowing she needed help to move to an online format, Judi asked for volunteers to be “Tech Reps” in her ESL 52 reading and ESL 41 Writing classes.
Help came immediately from three students.
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| Bismillah Kamgar |
Bismillah Kamgar volunteered to serve as a Tech Rep in ESL 41 Writing. “Initially,” Judi said, “I had difficulties in learning how to administer tests in Canvas. I would send trial runs to Bismillah to review. In addition to helping to get everything set up, he also contacted several students to explain how to complete assignments online and send them to me. A few didn’t know how to convert their essays to Word documents. Bismillah came to their aid again. He helped them install the app on their phones since many do not own laptops. He was extremely generous with his time, and went out of his way to help me and his fellow students. Even in the evening, if I had a problem, I could phone or text him for advice.” Bismillah is from Afghanistan. He was a translator for the U.S. Military, and has impressive English and technology skills. Unfortunately, due to the current crisis, Bismillah is out of work, but optimistic about the future.
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| Sara Isaac Hanna |
Amir Youssef and Sara Isaac Hanna volunteered to serve as Tech Reps and "teaching assistants" in the ESL 52 Reading class. “Sara was my proofreader and editor as she possesses excellent reading, vocabulary and writing skills. She also advised if tests on Canvas were correct in content” Judi said. “Amir and Sara took mock tests and provided advice on format, content, and other details. They provided feedback on how well certain Canvas features worked, or didn't work for our online class sessions. They were my proofreaders, tech troubleshooters (Amir) and student helpers. They also took the lead when we met at DISCUSSIONS on Canvas to discuss lessons such as an assigned novel. They encouraged their classmates to participate, and were always willing to give advice and help.” Amir is from Elminia, Egypt. Sara is from Alexandria, Egypt. She lives in Henrico with her husband and two children. She works in the child watch at the YMCA, but it is closed now due to the crisis. Her family is still in Egypt.
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| Amir Youssef |
“I am ineffably grateful for their kind assistance in helping to ease the transition into online learning. These students are outstanding academically and possess the qualities of a model Reynolds student: perfect attendance, being team players, respectful, courteous, mature, and responsible.”
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| Judi Moy |
Even in the midst of a global crisis, these students who themselves need help, are willing to stand up and lend a hand, and share what they have: their technical expertise.
Judi is right. These are some special students, and Reynolds is pleased to call them ours.
