Phenomenology  (from Greek phainómenon “that which appears” and lógos “study”) is the philosophical study of the structures of experience and consciousness.

2,200 km away.

I never thought it would be so hard to stand in front of a screen trying to teach a language. My sense of confidence and power that one can do everything with a laptop is overshadowed by the bitter loneliness and feebleness. I am mentally there, next to each of my students, but the four white walls around me create a cage which I am bound to teach from. I turn on my video call application. “I have two minutes to go online” I remind to myself. My mind is trapped between the hurry to fast tidy up the background -this is the only thing they can see about me now, anyway-, and the button that brings me to the same “world” with them. Finally online! Four couples of eight-year-old eyes looking at me, waiting full of hope and uncertainty for their teacher to start the lesson. Silence is leading their abstract looks. “If I were there, they would be louder, vivid and naughty!”. I smile, as I feel the urge to bring them closer! They smile back! “Finally!-They respond, they are indeed there!”. This is a confirmation that I can move forward. The abstract faces look more concentrated now, ready to listen and speak as if I had them next to me! A sense of relief, as if I’m holding their hands taking them finally to the world of knowledge. “Maybe I have to continue talking”. A confused miniature grimaced face appears! I can not let it pass! I lean towards the screen, but I keep forgetting that I cannot sit next to them and show with my finger to point to their notes. Instead, my hands have to type on the plastic surface of my keyboard and I was secretly hoping that I can communicate my thoughts. “It’s clear now”, one said, evoking a sense of relief sending flutters down my spine.

Tags: anecdotecoursesexperienceonlinephenomenologyphilosophyteachingvirtualities