Paradigm shift witnessed in education sector

Editorial

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June 23, 2020

The effect of COVID-19 pandemic has cast its shadows on the academic year of schools and educational institutions of the country. There is a possibility that the current academic year may start later than usual.

School leaders look for ways to minimize the disruption to children’s learning and teachers at thousands of schools all across the country are scrambling for ways to teach children who are holed up at home.

Many teachers and their students are likely to learn new things as teachers find creative and effective ways to teach and learn remotely. Due to the disruption, a paradigm shift can be wit- nessed in the education sector. Online education is now the new normal for schools across the country. However, robust connectivity is undoubtedly critical for the success of e-Learning.

Also read: Sparkling revolution in Higher Education

It seems Ed-tech platforms have come forward to save the day at a time when schools and col- leges have had to close, forcing over 300 million Indian students to stay behind their syllabus.

In this month’s issue on NextGen Education Leaders, we have tried to highlight how school leaders have tackled the ongoing Corona pandemic through various innovative ways. Educational Institutions are badly affected and uncertain about their future perspectives.

digitalLEARNING Magazine in its latest issue has tried to showcase the success story of schools in this pandemic. Our cover story “Usage of E-learning in the times of Corona” touches upon one of the most talked topics discussed across the globe in this crisis. With many educators calling for Hybrid or Blending learning, technology will play an important role in school education.

Along with this, we have a Special Feature on “Covid Challenge to India Education System”, which underlines the challenges for a complex Indian education system in this crisis. Our latest issue also carries many success stories of schools, the way they handled the Corona crisis effectively.

With a host of interviews, articles by school industry leaders, and special features, we hope our latest endeavor would evoke an invaluable feedback of our esteemed readers.

Success story of Clay Preschools during Lockdown

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digitalLEARNING Network

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June 23, 2020

Our strong commitment for our students and the Parents of CLAY Preschools all over the country made this possible says Shobhan Soi, Ceo, Clay Preschools, Ludhiana in a conversation with Elets News Network (ENN).

The year 2020 has begun with lots of hopes and aspirations for all of us. It’s the time for the completion of an ongoing Academic session and to start planning a new one. Every school was in the same scenario when one sudden announcement by the revered Prime minister of India has put the whole nation in lockdown.

Being a safe school, we at CLAY Preschools have already started taking the precautionary measures for our little students. No group gatherings, No Picnics or Outdoor Activities etc. measures have been taken by the School, timely ensuring the safety of the littlest citizens of our country.

It’s said that Learning is an ongoing process and it can never stop. On March 25th, CLAY was ready with its Home-based Learning Curriculum. We have reached our students through technology i.e. Online Learning within few days after the declaration of the Lockdown. Our strong commitment for our students and the Parents of CLAY Preschools all over the country made this possible.

Also read: ASPAM Scottish School’s success story during lockdown

CLAY has its franchised Preschools in various parts of the country. So, we were already working in a structure of providing all kinds of support whether its curriculum, technology or trainings etc. to our franchise partners in a well-knit system. So, our experienced Curriculum and Technical Teams have come together in support of each other to face this new challenge i.e. how to reach our students during lockdown. They have designed a beautiful Home – based Learning structure for the Parents to follow within days.

CLAY works on the vision of providing quality education to the little ones in the early years. So, it was very significant for us to design a Curriculum i.e. easy for Parents to follow at home with the use of limited resources during the lockdown. Preschool activities require lots of teaching and colorful aids and tools for making Learning playful for the preschoolers. Parents are not experienced in conducting this level of stimulating activities with children at home. We have taken into consideration all these aspects while designing the activities for them.

These Home-based Learning Activities are engaging, age appropriate and development-oriented for the little ones. Parents were given in detail how, why and when of everything they are been told to do with the child at home.

We feel proud to say that within 5 days, we have trained our Staff, Teachers and Franchisees as well on how to stand tall and face the new normal together without compromising on our quality and services. We believe that our employees are our asset and we must invest in their trainings and upliftment programs.

We are on goingly receiving the testimonials from our Parents. It gives us pure relief to see our students happily engaged Indoors and also to see the Parents being able to play their part with ease in their Child’s Learning programs through our Home -based Online Learning platform.

Every situation in our life come with its own share of ups and downs, pros and cons. No doubt, this Lockdown time is challenging for School owners and people, in general, all over the globe in terms of bearing the expenses and making both ends meet. But during this time of crisis, we have also witnessed the power of technology, the power of education and the power of Teacher community. Parents all over the globe are recognizing the hard work, dedication and efforts of Schools. We have never seen before the partnership i.e. happening between School, Teacher and Parents – the trio most productive in the nurturing of the little minds. This we feel is the biggest success story that has been conceived, written, presented and received beautifully during the Lockdown.

Zaitoon Group: Education is not about marks rather it’s about acquisition of moral values

Interviews

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digitalLEARNING Network

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June 23, 2020

Zaitoon aims to bring forth a generation of professionals deep rooted in moral values who can cater to the needs of self, society and national integrity says Dr. Mohammed Muhinudheen K, Principal & Founding Director, Zaitoon International Girls Campus in a conversation with Elets News Network (ENN).

How’s Zaitoon different from other schools in the country?

What makes Zaitoon International School different from other institutions is the philosophy it upholds. Zaitoon aims to bring forth a generation of professionals deep rooted in moral values who can cater to the needs of self, society and national integrity. Founded three years back, ZIGS has received widespread acclaim and acceptance in and out of Kerala. As a residential international school, Zaitoon houses students from all districts of Kerala, from Andaman, Tamil Nadu and UK. Within two years at ZIGS, each student goes through a formidable change in her character, dreams and aspirations. What makes Zaitoon more distinct is the satisfaction of students and parents while leaving the school and an everlasting impression of gratitude engraved in the heart of each and every student for what they had imbibed to their life ahead during their stay at this home away from their home. This year, God willing, Zaitoon is launching its boys’ version too and hopefully, it will set a new model in the education history of Kerala.

How does Zaitoon provide different platforms for girls to develop their talents?

Zaitoon believes in the idea that education is not only about marks and grades, rather it’s about the acquisition of moral values, development of soft skills and reinventing the hidden talents inherent in each individual to tap the opportunities outside and face the challenges ahead in the twenty-first century. So, at Zaitoon, students are motivated to do everything on their own. Zaitoon provides them monetary support and all other ideation process is done by them ranging from arts, sports, clubs to welcoming prominent personalities and even running Olea business club (an attempt to give them firsthand experience of entrepreneurship and managing accounts). So, here, our daughters, contrary to mixed schools, get more space and room to express themselves and excel in their own respective spheres.

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

With closure of schools due to COVID-19, how is the teaching-learning process going on?

As its higher secondary exam time in Kerala, students are hell-bent on revising their portion for the postponed exams due to COVID-19.

We do have our own school App to evaluate their progress and all teachers are constantly in touch with them to clarify their doubts and help them fetch good marks.

What are school plans for post-COVID crisis?

Zaitoon is all set to start its online classes from 1st June onwards. With the help of Zaitoon App, our YouTube channel and ZOOM App we will strive our level best to create an alternative through online education till the pandemic vanishes for good.

With cases rising in Kerala, how has the school tackled the issue?

This had been the case earlier. Now, Kerala has embellished an enviable model for other states in tackling this pandemic successfully. We hope that if the present scenario continues, in Kerala, school education will be as normal as it used to be a few months back. Let’s hope for the best as Andy Dufrene says in Shawshank Redemption, “hope is a good thing, may be the best thing and no good thing ever dies”

COVID Challenges to India Education System

Article

By

Pankaj Kumar Samantaray

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June 23, 2020

Lockdown changed the perspective of schools. With schools closed for months, e-learning came to the forefront, across the world. Even in developed countries, students have been the primary movers of this initiative. Teachers followed the new trend, hoping to return to the classrooms soon. Here is a detailed report by Pankaj Samantray of Elets News Network.

There is a paradigm shift witnessed in the education sector in India for last two months. Schools and teachers have been forced to adapt to e-learning leaving the traditional way of teaching. The adaption of technology was reluctant for many teachers and schools.

That new technology added a competitive edge to the e-learning sector. The ed-tech firms strike gold in the pandemic as both private and government schools ensure education through e-platforms. In India, online tutorials including Coursera, Collpoll and many more are gaining immense popularity during this crisis.

Lockdown changed the perspective of schools. With schools closed for months, e-learning came to the forefront, across the world. Even in developed countries, students have been the primary movers of this initiative. Teachers followed the new trend, hoping to return to the classrooms soon.

Also read: ‘Technology in hands of good teachers, a boon for education system’

However, such expectations are unlikely to materialise any time soon. When schools re-open, they have to operate with reduced classroom strength, to ensure social distancing. It means the scope for classroom education will remain curtailed and e-learning has to fill the gap in the education sector. With blended learning as potential solutions for schools, e-learning will continue to dominate the sector for a longer period.

The new crisis has taken us to the big question. How will complex Indian education system respond to the emerging situation? Avoiding the question is of no use as students are keener than ever. The ed-tech firms have witnessed 10-fold rise in registration for trial or free coaching, in the last two months.

In the absence of a comprehensive action plan, for the complex Indian school education system, which are divided by multiple boards of unequal standards and the benefits of technology will be acquired by a section of teachers and students that can adapt and afford it.

In India, state governments are the largest providers of education. However, they are plagued by several challenges including large student teacher ratios, infrastructure and lack of quality training amongst teachers. Private schools too face a problem with teacher training. These challenges combined with India’s huge education market size, where 35% of its 1.3 billion population below 15 years of age, present an immense business potential for ed-tech products to scale-up by plugging gaps.

Technology will bring changes

The Ed-tech firms will change the way teachers teach and students learn. In place of the traditional brick-and-mortar classroom, schools will witness the rise of ‘flipped classrooms’ leveraging blended online and offline instructions, where students watch video lectures at home and do their ‘homework’ in class. It offers a chance to get out of boring classes and offers real-life learning opportunities and diminish the gap between what is taught in the classrooms and the real-life workplace requirements.

With technology, students can be more engaged in the classroom in various ways.

The great digital divide

There is a huge digital divide in urban and rural schools. In a recent survey, over 75 pc of students are impacted due to the lockdown as they found hard to study online, over 80 pc students said they need hand holding to shift from offline to online and over 25 pc said they need proper training to pursue education through online.

This is still a dream for the majority of students in India. Most of the parents in India cannot afford OTT platforms for their wards to study. However, a concerted effort can mitigate many problems.

Until now, most ed-tech products catered to tier 1 cities and children from the high-income segment, ignoring the majority of students who come from tier 2, 3 cities and rural areas. With more students enrolling from tier 2 and 3 cities, the crisis presents a perfect playground for various companies to modify products, adapt and contextualise them as per the needs of different customers. Firms should therefore utilise this crisis to build the best possible evidence around learning outcomes.

Bharat net is connecting all the villages with high-speed broadband network. Part of the project connecting remote areas in North-East India is already complete. Ensuring digital connectivity, therefore, may be easier.

The 2011 project to distribute cheap ‘Akash’ tablets to promote e-learning in villages was unsuccessful due to quality and procurement issues. The scheme can be revived in rural areas by the state governments. States like Tamil Nadu have started distributing tabs to students for studies.

Vernacular content

There are bigger problems to solve. Adapting to online education is easier for English medium students and teachers due to the ready availability of tools or content. The situation is opposite in vernacular languages that dominate the Indian school education scene. Only a few ed-tech firms provide vernacular content.

Quality of content

The quality of content is a bigger issue. Providing quality content is a major take for Ed-tech firms. There is no check on the quality of content provided by the platforms to students.

Darbari Lal Foundation World School’s success story during lockdown

Article

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digitalLEARNING Network

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June 23, 2020

DLF World School is constantly redefining the role of a teacher to a facilitator and now a coach to articulate a vision for rearing experiential think rooms in a virtual setting says Dr. Mrignaini, Executive Director, Darbari Lal Foundation World School, Noida in a conversation with Elets News Network (ENN).

In a matter of no time, the corridors have fallen silent, dining areas lie abandoned, and no more the sounds of laughter emanate from the playgrounds. The Covid-19 pandemic has left the schools bereft of the presence of the students. The pandemic is a vicious storm and we are travelling on different boats, where each boat presents its own set of challenges. As a collective, what we need to do is to open our minds as we navigate this pandemic.

Even as the world battles the crisis with lockdown and we face an unknown, unseen and unpredictable future that is going to require problem-solving and innovative thinking, educators at Darbari Lal Foundation World School, Greater Noida have taken up a challenge to quickly put the systems in place and have smoothly transitioned from in-person to remote learning with the same exacting standards.

Also read: COVID 19: GlobalGyan offers free access to Mobile Learning Platform: Mr. Srinivasa Addepalli- Founder & CEO, GGA

The core of our school’s implementation plan in response to trying times has been to plan for quality, flexible and sustainable learning options which includes the

• Readiness for e-learning

• Professional development of teachers in the e-learning environment

• Designing 21st-century tool kit based upon synchronous and asynchronous instruction.

• Conducting creative online assessments.

• Emotional well being of students teachers and parents

• Most importantly using technology to the advantage of the unique learner in each Delfite.

Having realized the purpose of providing learning continuum, DLF World School auditioned the available online resources accessible to parents through an online parental survey. Google Meet and Zoom have been the platforms identified to put the collaborative classrooms in place to deliver high quality, engaging learning experiences for all our students. Teachers are motivated to build expertise in online learning design by accessing external knowledge through webinars, expert talks, MOOCs and online trainings. This endeavour is helping them to create a repository of online pedagogical and assessment tools aligned with the 21st-century skills. These technological tools like Podcast, Flipgrid, Kahoot, Adobe Spark, and Quizlet are enhancing the learning experiences of Delfites enabling them to sync with the vision statement of the school to create caring courageous and concerned citizens of the world, for the world. A smart and dynamic curriculum is the best investment educational stakeholders at DLF World School are making to prepare students for the foreseeable future. The school has created a weekly learning schedule for students divided into morning and evening cycle based upon synchronous and asynchronous instruction through numerous digital resources. With the academic year moving online due to the spread of COVID 19, one question has been in the mind of every student, parent, and teacher: What about assessments as school closures are prolonged? Teachers of DLF World School have explored alternate assessment tools like Open Text Book Assessments, Art Integrated Assessments, Interdisciplinary and Flexible assessments to name a few. These innovative strategies have enabled the teachers to map the comprehensive detailing of each and every child in a flexible environment. Important National and International days are celebrated through virtual assemblies to foster emotional well being at this need of the hour. Online Parental surveys are conducted to seek feedback from parents from time to time. These ongoing conversations help in developing healthy relationships and opt for a feasible, inclusive, and empowering protocol for engagement with students Making this lockdown period constructive by undertaking different activities with the best possible use of technology is a challenge. However, a digitally smart school leader with kindness and empathy at heart can marshal the entire school community to make this transition smooth and purposeful. School leaders have an unmissable opportunity to unleash the collective talent of teachers, students, parents to find a magic formula for helping each child post-pandemic.

MHRD Ministry launches Yukti 2.0 platform

News

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digitalLEARNING Network

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June 23, 2020

To promote the innovation in the country, Union HRD Minister, Ramesh Pokriyal launched new programme called Yukti 2.0. The new programme is an online depository created by AICTE innovation cell for ideas aimed at inculcating and promoting innovation.

Yukti 2.0 was initially promoted by MHRD as Massive Indian Novelty Depository (MIND).

Union HRD Minister during the launch said that he is happy with the launch of the Yukti 2.0 platform.

The minister said the platform created by the innovation cell of the AICTE will enable students across the country to witness various sorts of innovation taking place. He also added that the portal can be accessed by all, whether they are businessman or farmers or other people working across different regions of the country.

Also read: HRD Minister may take call on pending CBSE exams

Yukti 2.0 will provide everyone access and people can see the innovations that are suitable for them and make use of the same accordingly.

The Minister said even Higher educational institutions and the teachers or students associated as well will be able to put up their innovations and ideas for start-up on Yukti 2.0 and utilise the platform to commercialise the same as well.

MHRD Additional Secretary Rakesh Ranjan also spoke during the launch and said that Yukti 2.0 is not merely a database. He also said that the platform will act more like an online market which will see co-existence between people who sell and buy ideas.

The success story of Aditya Birla Education Trust Schools during lockdown

Article

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digitalLEARNING Network

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June 23, 2020

In our quest to make life normal for all our students, we made sure that we followed the school routines as much as possible says Surabhi Goel, CEO, Schools, Aditya Birla Education Trust in a conversation with Elets News Network (ENN).

This word has changed the world in a short span of time. This holds true for the education world too. Well, as a school we always have a ‘Plan B’; ready for any contingency that we may face. However, this unprecedented situation threw us all in the wide sea of uncertainties, yet, the Aditya Birla family, both at the K12 international school, Aditya Birla World Academy and The Aditya Birla Integrated School, a school for children who learn differently have displayed exemplary commitment to their students! Our members of the staff simply outdid themselves and worked beyond the call of duty.

This has been a time for many firsts as this pandemic situation nudged us to venture into unexplored arenas and realise our own strengths. In our quest to make life normal for all our students, we made sure that we followed the school routines as much as possible. We started online lessons from the very first day of the lockdown. Here, I want to share about the several silent workers at both our schools.

Also read: Shuchita Gupta, Academic Director, International Delhi Public School, Kathua, J&K: Students must plan lockdown wisely

1. The Events Team – We can proudly claim to be the first school to have had an online Graduation Ceremony so that the students do not miss out on anything. Despite being online, it was a heart-warming experience and the students will cherish this memory for a lifetime.

2. The teachers working with children with special needs – It has been exceptionally challenging. The therapist shared home program/ modules with the parents. The teachers formulated academic portion in a quiz format and e-certificates were awarded to the students. The teachers also conducted a zoom session with the younger students to know how they are feeling. It was wonderful to know that our students were helping their parents in cooking, engaged in painting. Our school for special needs successfully conducted, for the first time, final exams online for both junior and senior school.

3. Counselling Cell- It has been a pillar of strength. A COVID Well-being Journal was shared by the School Counsellors with all students and parents which included games, activities, and mental health tips to keep that positive energy going.

Counselling services were opened out not just to the students and parents but also to the entire staff by creating virtual spaces where they were just a call away for students, parents and staff.

4. Outreach- The marketing team put up an array of Instagram activities like favourite movies to binge-watch, activities/books that make me happy, etc. engaging the entire school staff to create various videos to spread social messages like ‘Stay Home, Stay safe.’ The Student Council also organised a ‘Game Day’ for the student body.

Different games like Kahoot, Bingo, Quiz and Antakshari were played to keep the spirit alive.

5. Training- The Management is continuously providing the teachers with professional development sessions to equip themselves with online teaching and learning platforms.We have scheduled weekly Professional Development sessions where our Technology Coordinator and Integrator provides much-needed E-Learning support to the teachers by upgrading and refreshing their knowledge of various Educational Tools.

Different de-stressing activities have also been planned for staff to engage and stay connected informally like sessions of dance, cookery, flower making, etc.

There may be days when we get overwhelmed with this new normal. However, in these trying times, something magical happens and we know that it is all worth the effort! Our students have shared a video expressing love for their teachers and how much they miss them. Not just that, the Class Representatives shared a video of gratitude for the teachers. One of our school parents had conducted an online birthday party for their child and the children were asked to sing a song. All the children sang the school song which speaks highly about the bonding the children have with the school!

It is the time to connect, time to reflect and a time to savour. The connect that we have forged amongst us will remain intact in the future too. Well, I can say that we are still at sea… but, with our safety nets on.

Innovations in education during lockdown

Article

By

digitalLEARNING Network

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June 23, 2020

Renewed focus on remote classroom technologies and software upgrades, a surge in refresher trainings and Teacher orientation, and preparation for online classes helped in making a smooth transition says Seema Handa, MD, Group of EKLAVYA SCHOOLS in a conversation with Elets News Network (ENN).

These are trying times with the whole world coming to a near standstill due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Nations have unanimously come together to acknowledge the role played by the frontline warriors – doctors, nurses, paramedics, policemen, sanitary workers, NGOs, and food and essential service providers – who have sacrificed their own safety and comfort for the larger good of humanity;

who have exposed themselves to risk so that we are all safe at home. But there is another set of unsung heroes who have been working tirelessly behind the scenes to safeguard the vulnerable and most precious members of our community, our children. These Teachers are working equally hard, by stepping out of their comfort zone and embracing technology, so that their students are positively engaged and taken care of. Small children do not appreciate the reality of the current pandemic and are ill-equipped to deal with the present lockdown and its implications.

These Teachers, too, are warriors in their own rights. They are safeguarding the entire future of our generations; ensuring that each concern is resolved, no matter how small, and the children emerge from this lockdown, stronger physically, mentally, emotionally and psychologically.

Also read: Leap Years Preschool Success story during lockdown

Best Innovative Measures

After the sudden curfew imposed in Punjab on 23 March, classes resumed online with hardly a gap at Eklavya and syllabus proceeded as per planning. This was only possible due to the young, enthusiastic and energetic Educators of Eklavya who are accustomed to ‘change’ and new challenges as part of daily routine. Technology has always been at the forefront of the teaching pedagogy at Eklavya and the move from physical classes to digital classes was seamless.

From early days of March we sensed the approaching changes and started preparing for them in advance. Renewed focus on remote classroom technologies and software upgrades, a surge in refresher trainings and Teacher orientation, and preparation for online classes helped in making a smooth transition. We moved quickly to establish communication and teaching online; through Skype to Google Classrooms, Google Meet, Grade Book to Whatsapp etc.

Challenge of Virtual Classes

Each disruption brings with it painful change, new learnings and ultimately growth and progress. At Eklavya the move to online classes was quick and smooth, but it was also a journey of delving deep into the digital world. Some educators were more comfortable with technology than others. Others were better equipped with devices and wi-fi connections than some. Strong cooperation, an open mindset, sharing of knowledge, and expertise carried along everybody on the journey.

The internet is a bottomless pit of vast resources and e-content.

Quickly we segregated the useful platforms, apps, educational content and resources required for effective online delivery. Sustained communication with students and parents ensured course correction wherever required. Whether it was slower speed of curriculum delivery, or lesser homework, or more revision of concepts; teachers were quick to respond not only to classroom needs but also individual requirements. Independent parental surveys and feedback kept us all engaged and involved in the teaching learning process.

The challenge of virtual classes lies in its remoteness and social disconnect. Curriculum and syllabus are only one part of Education, what is equally important is the human interaction and life skills absorbed during time in class and in the sports grounds. Understanding these limitations Eklavya responded with a structured module on Value and Skill based education, graded as per the age and class of the students. A Home Period was created at the beginning and end of the online classes where each day some value / life skill is highlighted and discussed and Teachers and students dwell and share experiences related to the value. Student involvement in age appropriate household chores is encouraged as an essential life skill and active support to parent and family.

In addition, we brought online our robust Mentorship program by involving parents and students with a Mentor who extended interaction beyond academics, and focussed on personal challenges and support required by individual students.

Awareness Programs for Parents and Students

Eklavya believes in strong and regular communication across all stakeholders. Educators are available to resolve all issues, big or small, of parents and students. They keep in touch with parents and caregivers through telecalling, email and whatsapp. Frequent posts on our social media platforms and city notice boards keep us connected to our parents and also the larger local community.

We invite parents to be as involved as they desire in the daily e-classes and in the scheduled activities of the students. Yet it is our endeavour to make the students independent and self-reliant.

Online ‘Home Visits’ and family interactions encourage the whole extended family to be familiar with the educator and actively participate in the academic journey of the student. Planned online.

Parent Teacher meetings keep the dialogue open as the teacher discusses the monthly progress – academic, social, emotional, psychological and spiritual.

Greater involvement of parents due to online and home based education has led to more stress and time pressure for the parents. Realising this Eklavya started conducting online monthly surveys to understand the efficacy of the online classes and to adjust and realign the methodology keeping in mind the limitations and needs of the students and the parents. This helped to upscale the efficiency of the Teachers substantially and also improved the Learning outcomes of the students. The first online assessment was a challenge and yet a validation of our pedagogy. It was a learning curve for the educators of Eklavya.

We initiated a slew of online Workshops and Surveys to upgrade the technology awareness of the students and parents, and to overcome the new challenges thrown up due to extended use of devices and concerns about cyber security. The objective was a better grasp of the features of various platforms, apps and softwares. In addition, health and daily exercise, and safety and sanitation were emphasised by adding a small module on safe practices and Yoga exercises for greater focus.

Inspiration and Motivation

Eklavya has used unique methodologies to keep students engaged from a ‘Household Chores Survey’ to ‘Home Task Fitness Champ’. These initiatives have helped to direct attention towards co curricular and cross curricular areas. Similarly Art Integration and CBE initiatives and Learning Outcome projects of CBSE have further strengthened the knowledge delivery process.

To sustain the motivation of both students and parents we at Eklavya conducted online individual Parent Teacher meetings. These helped to bring a human touch to the detached and remote environment of online classes, and keep the students and parents engaged and motivated.

Teachers are shaping the world in crisis

Article

By

digitalLEARNING Network

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June 23, 2020

NPS International School has always believed that we can make the optimum use of the technology available to give the best available effective education to the students says Jitendra Nath Das, Founder & Chairman, NPS International School, Guwahati in a conversation with Elets News Network (ENN).

With the onset of the pandemic crisis and the lockdown the situation, the whole world is going through a major economic crisis and NPS International School stepped into the scene with a sustainable ‘Forward-Looking ‘ vision and harnessed and utilized the suite of available technological tools to replicate regular classes and provide continuous effective learning for all our students. Turning a crisis into opportunity is the need of the hour and NPS International School has always believed that we can make the optimum use of the technology available to give the best available effective education to the students.

We started effective learning classes from KG to Class XII and moved a step forward and conducted interactive Virtual PTMs to get feedback and suggestions from parents. And now we are have started to evaluate our students through Online Weekly Tests.

We have to understand that to ensure that a child gives full concentration in online classes, he/she has to be a happy child. To make a child happy, co-curricular activities is a must and this is what NPS International School is focusing on.

Also read: How we can Teach our Children During the Times of COVID-19

Some of the extracurricular activities we are doing online for the students include: Yoga, Aerobics, Zumba, Music and Dance, Physical Training, Quiz Competitions. We are involving parents also to participate in dance competitions with their wards and thus ensuring that there is always a fun element in the learning process. Parents’ feedback that we have received for our endevour has been excellent and this motivates us to do even better. Parents should be equally involved with the child now in an effective online learning process. A strong bonding will develop because of this crisis.

Teachers are playing a very important role during this pandemic. If Doctors and Nurses are healing the world, Teachers are shaping the world.

How we achieved what we did?

Finding effective, sustainable, quality, flexible learning options help schools during such challenging conditions. Our school identified three phases to counter this crisis and this is the way we moved forward:

• Immediate response or Relief Phase: Continuity of learning and teaching

• Interim Capacity Building or Recovery Phase: Moving to effective learning and homeschooling

• Sustainable or Integrated Approach Phase: Flexible effective learning and teaching options.

In phase one, schools audit available resources then make a plan for the next steps. Strategies like creating a timetable that combines asynchronous activities with practical activities like board games and many such games played with siblings and caregivers, and physical activity, and building in one-on-one catch-ups with students will help take the pressure off.

In phase two, schools put in place the structures and resources necessary to transition from face-to-face to online delivery, such as implementing a Learning Management System and training staff in online teaching. In phase three, schools have the organisational structures and teacher capacity to offer online, blended or face-to face learning with ease, making them resilient in the face of future interruptions to the school schedule.

NPS International School is the only school in the North East to introduce an online teaching platform from LKG to Class XII. Educators are encouraging homeschooling which is going to be the future of education in the coming years.

Mayo College’s success story during lockdown crisis

Article

By

digitalLEARNING Network

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June 23, 2020

Once the academics were taken care of, it was time to focus on the most integral part of a boarder’s life: co-curricular activities and pastoral care. says Sanjay Khati, Director of Cultural Activities, Mayo College, Ajmer in a conversation with Elets News Network (ENN).

Covid-19 was an unexpected calamity which not only emerged as a life-threatening pandemic but also disrupted the well-planned schedule of many. The only effective way to steer through this crisis was to have an immediate action plan to mitigate the needs of the changing times and to have a business continuity plan to foster better crisis management

Mayo College, Ajmer anticipated the gravity of this situation too early and therefore, most of the boys were sent back home well-intime, way before the deadline. Next step was to quickly train the staff on Microsoft Teams and to equip them to handle forthcoming online classes rapidly and efficiently. The existing model of Module-based teaching definitely came handy and we commenced with our online classes as early as 30 March 2020.

Also read: Elets Exclusive | Marisha McAuliffe calls mentor system for students in COVID-19

This was indeed a new platform and tool of learning for students, teachers, and parents too. We all were working in a dynamic environment with changes and challenges coming our way on a daily basis. Keeping this in mind; Class Teachers were deployed as a focal point of contact for the parents and respective students. This move really helped in gathering timely and accurate feedback from the immediate stakeholders and in-turn helped us to work on the grey areas quickly. Class Teachers created WhatsApp groups and even conducted Online PTMs. Google forms were also sent to each parent to receive candid feedback. One IT Person was deputed for each online class to cater to the IT issues. These steps ensured smooth sailing in terms of online classes.

Another significant step was to assist the new members of the Mayo fraternity who were scheduled to join us in the month of April. It was equally important to apprise them about the ethos, culture, and heritage of this 163 years old organization. Therefore, an online orientation was organized for the new students and their parents. This step really proved fruitful in terms of hand holding the new boys.

Once the academics were taken care of, it was time to focus on the most integral part of a boarder’s life: co-curricular activities and pastoral care.

Various online competitions encompassing domains like Photography, Painting, MUN, etc. were planned and organized. Online Tutorial groups were created to encourage informal interaction between the boys and the House tutor and to take care of the EQ of the former during these trying times. Boys were also encouraged to join various webinars.

Post the completion of the online classes, Periodic Assessment was also conducted. Parents, being the major stakeholders, supported the process wholeheartedly and students appeared for the assessments under their supervision. Teachers were guided to frame the question paper in such a way that it tested the deep understanding and high order thinking skills of the examinee rather than focussing on rote learning. A proper plan was also made to deliver one-on-one feedback of the Periodic assessment to each student.

Mayo has already come a long way in terms of bridging the gap between the students and the teachers during these tough times and has planned numerous activities for near future. Fitness sessions, Hobby classes, Club and Society activities will be organized along with remedial classes. Boys will be participating in online Inter-School competitions for PPT and Multimedia, Quiz, Debates etc. Plan to organize Online Debating, Public Speaking and Dramatics workshop is already in place. Most importantly, the faculty is not only participating in various online trainings and webinars but they are encouraged to conduct webinars on their own too. They are using various online platforms like MS Teams, Zoom, Cisco Webex etc. to conduct their sessions on most context-sensitive issues of the present time.

Overall, it has been an enriching and novel experience for everyone associated with this process: Parents, Teachers and Students. The idea of adaptability to changes while keeping a positive thought process has been pretty instrumental in driving the institution and its entities. Mayo is known for taking unprecedented steps and wishes to carry on with this legacy.

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