How Anna Curtis inspires interactive teaching and learning at Colchester Institute

The impact of the pandemic on teaching

Like many educators, Anna Curtis had to adapt quickly when the pandemic forced classes online. "We were looking for something interactive because of not being able to be there in person," she explains. That’s when she discovered LessonUp. "Back then, the limitations were considerable, and LessonUp really helped overcome them." When in-person classes resumed, she stopped using it—until she revisited the platform a year later. "LessonUp had made significant progress as a teaching platform."

For Anna, the difference was clear: "It’s not just another e-learning tool. It’s based on pedagogy. The tools available and the way it's set up—it's all created from a teacher’s mindset."

The most rewarding part of being a teacher

For Anna, the greatest reward in teaching comes from watching students push past their challenges and succeed. "When you see students overcome barriers and achieve their goals—that's what makes it all worthwhile," she says. After the pandemic, she noticed a shift. Students seemed less resilient, struggling to persevere through both academic and personal obstacles. The ability to push through setbacks had weakened.

But luckily, with time, she has witnessed a transformation. Slowly but surely, resilience is returning. Every day, she sees students growing stronger, rebuilding their confidence, and proving that they can overcome whatever stands in their way.

Keeping students engaged

Based on experience, Anna didn’t expect LessonUp to stand out with her students as much as it did. "With other platforms, after a while, students tend to indicate that they are getting bored," she explains. However, that hasn’t happened with LessonUp. It seems to have been sustained over the last two years. They are still engaging with it, and enjoying its resources.

Students particularly love the interactive features. "They say it’s fun! They’ve told us they prefer it because they are not just sitting and listening—they are engaging and actively doing something." Among their favourite activities is the drag-and-drop feature, which allows them to physically move the correct answer into place, as well as the hotspots and quiz questions.

Using technology to support every student’s journey

LessonUp has become more than just a classroom tool for Colchester Institute—it’s a key part of the students’ learning journey, both in and out of school. By using the platform for homework assignments, teachers can track engagement and ensure students stay actively involved. The impact has been clear: exam results have improved, demonstrating real progress.

LessonUp provides real-time insights that help Anna better understand her students' needs. With instant feedback on their responses, she can adapt her teaching on the spot, making lessons more interactive and effective: "I feel more informed about my students' learning and progress."

Her journey from industry to education has reinforced a core belief of hers: learning is a lifelong process, and with the right tools and guidance, every student can thrive.