WORKPLACE
MEMBER STORIES
A flexible & dynamic work culture My name is Alex Vickery-Howe and I’m a lecturer in Creative Writing and Drama at Flinders University, South Australia. My main focus is on foundation teaching, including equipping students with literacy and research skills.
The great disruption The advent of COVID-19 has obviously disrupted university life and created a great deal of uncertainty for both staff and students. For staff, employment is no longer secure – far from it – and workloads are increasing to unsustainable levels. For students, camaraderie is lacking, teachers are harder to access, and online tutorials are still in their testing phase. Despite these disruptions, I believe there is an opportunity now to reflect on the structure of university life and adapt both our teaching methodologies and our office culture. One thing that has startled me is the way many introverted students, who were previously struggling in my classes, are now thriving in the virtual environment. Another unexpected discovery is how effective lectures can be in the online space and how much more relaxed I am when I give them, with coffee in hand. For every challenge, there are perks and positive lessons.
Alex Vickery-Howe Flinders University
From an office point of view, it is fair to say that the virus has changed our work habits and the way we interact with each other, and many of these changes will continue after the creation and distribution of a COVID-19 vaccine.
To tell your COVID-19 story to the NTEU member community, please contact Helena Spyrou
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Sentry
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OCTOBER 2020
