The change makers in this whole scenario are none other than teachers who were branded as Naïve digital Zombies by the whole Society, their quickness in adapting themselves to this new medium or platform is certainly commendable says Dr. K. Lakshmi Rao, Academic Director, Jain Group of Schools, Hyderabad in a conversation with Elets News Network (ENN).
Change is constant !!
This adage is heartily absorbed by the Jain Group of Schools, without an iota of hesitation or delay. Thus, though the Schools have shut down physically, the learning never ceased ! The reason being the belief in the new adage “ Survival of the Quickest “!
The smooth transition from physical classes to virtual classes became possible in our institutions due to the core philosophy of investing on the human resources. The teacher training being the crucial element in this new era, we have prepared our teachers well in advance, though it is an unexpected crisis. In fact, JGI has adapted to integration of technology since 2007. Now the platform has been moved from digital interactive boards to Google Classrooms, Google hangouts or ZOOM meeting rooms. Whatever may be the platforms chosen the learners are connected instantly as early as 23rd of March. The change makers in this whole scenario are none other than teachers who were branded as Naïve digital Zombies by the whole Society, their quickness in adapting themselves to this new medium or platform is certainly commendable. This adaptability of our teachers proves their quest for learners, irrespective of the location they are in Thus changing the norms of classroom Pedagogy and Heutagogy to Andragogy , which focuses on self-directed learning -a key skill in 21st c and need of the hour.
Also read: Effective digital learning during lockdown
My teachers have not only learnt to develop essential skills of lockdown and virtual classrooms but also percolated down to their learners. The students started developing self-directed learning which made them assimilate the information shared by the teachers and there by applying them in day to day operations.
The best part is when no one thought of engaging Toddlers our teachers have engaged them online by conducting Gross motor and fine motor activities, art and craft, rhymes and so on with less stress on academics. Kudos to teachers as well as Parents for engaging kids below 5 years productively online for almost a month.
How was it Possible?
We followed 5 P formula.
• Identified safe Platform in addition to planning and understanding the learners.
• All the stake holders were prepared well to get adapted to this change. Teachers were attending virtual conferences parallelly while conducting virtual classes to their learners , Parents were informed and students were guided well.
• Practice sessions were conducted to teachers and constant rehearsals were organized to ensure seamless implementation of online classes.
• The relentless Practice with a cognizance for perfection made us absorb the system well to perform conducting the online classes uninterruptedly.
• Partnership between parents and school is crucial to make the learning more effective, hence we created broadcast groups through what’s app and E-mail to strengthen the communication through newsletters .The learning objectives and outcomes were shared wit parents and children well in advance to ensure proper guidance from the parents. Various mediums like voice messages,video& audio clippings were shared with all Parents to increase the bond between Parents and School as at this time of lockdown the contribution of parents is crucial in any child’s learning.
Thanks to COVID-19 for making us unlearn, learn and relearn !!The school is now prepared for the new norm of redefining the school schedule as curricular activities are designed and scheduled as per the convenience and pace of the learners and also working on the online assessments to ensure continuous learning among all learners with a philosophy of “No child is left behind”.
