Last updated on November 26, 2023
Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) has resulted in a shelter-in-place order for our county in Central Texas. As an autistic parent and teacher, I’m not bothered by the order to remain home as much as possible. This is my preferred routine, anyway, with some exceptions. My wife and I are introverts, obviously.
There are times we have to run errands. Normally, there are medical appointments, school activities, after school sports, and scouting. There are groceries to purchase and medications to pick up at the pharmacy.
The shelter-in-place order means we’re staying home for everything except groceries, and for now we don’t need any food. Our pantry and freezer were well-stocked soon after it seemed like the virus was spreading. We even have plenty of bathroom and cleaning supplies.
My wife has worked from home for several years. Telecommuting is her normal, so not much has changed for her.
We are homeschooling the girls. Yes, the school district has online “learning” but it isn’t much and not what we are doing for our daughters. We love their school district and their teachers, but the instant transition to online learning isn’t what elementary students need. The girls are learning more academically from us because the online setting isn’t ideal for them.
I’m still teaching, and that’s online, too. Most years, I’ve taught one or two class classes online, so that experience isn’t new. What’s new is that I’m not teaching in a classroom at all, anywhere. Pretty nice, yet also challenging for the students.
My view of online education is simple: it works well for those mature enough and prepared enough for the experience. Now, I have too many unprepared students flailing through a business communications course. That’s not ideal.
I believe in the value of online education, so the experiences with our daughters and my students disappoints me. We need to better prepare students and teachers for online coursework. Still, what our girls are experiencing isn’t preparing them for the online future. It is great that my wife and I can help our children.
The girls are getting a lot of family time, just like they do in summer or on vacations.
I know not everyone is coping well with the COVID-19 events. I understand the stress and the fear.
Yes, I regret that some medical things were delayed and that the girls aren’t socializing. But, I like being at home more.