The Punjab Public School’s Success Story During Lockdown

Dr Jagpreet Singh

“In the present scenario, technology has become the new essential and a must-have in an education world. Online classes are the new norm, Zoom is the new boom,” says Dr Jagpreet Singh, Former Headmaster, The Punjab Public School, Nabha in a conversation with Elets News Network (ENN).

Who thought we would learn to dance in the rain in the month of March? This is exactly what has happened and continues to sum up our lives. Schools were always meant to prepare children to face hardships, make the best and most of what life gives to us. Should we run away and hibernate? The answer is simply no.

With uncertainty becoming the new certainty, life has completely undergone a 360 degree. And so did we, as schools underwent a complete overhaul, transforming, unlearning and relearning with the changing times and demands of the world.

Barely three months ago, technology was a luxury used by educators to aid the classroom teaching, making lessons interesting to captivate the audience at large. In the present scenario, technology has become the new essential and a must have in an education world. Online classes are the new norm, Zoom is the new boom. Google hangouts, web meetings are the new hashtags ruling our lives. Were we prepared for this?

Also read: Technology to play important role in COVID-19 crisis

Both students and teachers had their inhibitions to start something which was unheard of. Yes, we did face initial hiccups but learnt to overcome them and after almost two months, have begin to eventually sail smooth in the world of what is called “Virtual Learning” , adjusting our sails every day.

Orientation programs, webinars by experts have enriched and empowered my staff who stand tall and have become more tech savy than the younger generation to ensure the online classes are as lively as four-walled classrooms, the connect is maintained between the tutor and taught.

The onset of lockdown happened when most of the schools were about to end with their academic session and begin with a new one. But this didn’t stop us from doing the same. We connected with new admissions, got them on school rolls, with Headmaster conducting his usual “Orientation session” with new parents via Zoom. New admissions are as much a part of PPS Nabha as the previous students.

Keeping in mind the bundles of energy in children which are waiting to be tapped, several societies of school such as Round Square in collaboration with schools across the globe have initiated many activities such as Online Art Competition, Online Photography Competition expressing gratitude to COVID Warriors etc.

My staff is regularly attending webinars, online workshops and courses to enrich themselves in the changing world. I am sure this will help them stay abreast of the challenging times. Lot of collaborative learning on the new and virtual form of learning on regular basis is of a great help to make their teaching effective.

We give ample space to students to share their valuable feedback to incorporate constructive changes in the new world of 2020. Parents have become the new teachers and are closely monitoring the performance of their wards. It is something new and challenging for boarding school parents.

The bottom-line is that despite the sudden unforeseen circumstances, we educators have come out shining adding new feather in our caps. Sadly, we contradict our own statement made few months ago; excess of screen time is bad for teens. It generates anxiety, makes them more aggressive etc. Are we mincing our own words ???? Time to ponder educators ……….!!!

"Exciting news! Elets Education is now on WhatsApp Channels Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest insights!" Click here!
Be a part of Elets Collaborative Initiatives. Join Us for Upcoming Events and explore business opportunities. Like us on Facebook , connect with us on LinkedIn and follow us on Twitter , Instagram.