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Having students back on the College site is, of course, the best way to support their learning. The back and forth of lively discussion, guided by expert teachers in a wonderful environment like ours is stimulating and accelerates learning. However, the move back to distance learning is something that, after the successes of the summer, we have been able to return to with confidence and new innovation. Here are a few of the ways in which we’ve looked to refine the distance learning provision for all:
- Full live teaching: all classes are now recorded but also accessible live. They are supported by interactive Teams in which to post questions and get answers beyond class time too.
- Augmented interactivity: Microsoft Teams have launched a new ‘break out rooms’ function that seamlessly allows for small group discussion between students during live classes. Teachers can dip in and out or have private conversations with individuals. Students can be more active participants in classes, making lessons more dynamic, less teacher-led.
- More ‘face time’: The onus is now on students to have their camera on in classes and to ‘mic on’ to contribute. If bandwidth is an issue at home, it’s easy to turn off incoming video to free it up. This ability to get non-verbal feedback by seeing students’ reaction, from nods and shakes of heads to facial expression and quick verbal responses ease communication. Students feel part of a collective social endeavour.
- Fewer offline tasks, more ‘flipped learning’: By teaching more, we’re hoping to put less pressure on individual learning away from teacher support. Individual work will be done more in class with the teacher there for help. We’ve flipped things so that where tasks would ordinarily be completed in evening school, now those evening school sessions will be more about preparation for the next class.
There are some quick ways too in which parents and guardians can support distance learning at home:
- 10 minute reviews with your child at the end of a day over a drink and away from a screen will allow them to consolidate their day’s activity.
- One screen, and only when it's needed. Screens are a necessity, of course, for distance learning. Try to limit screen time beyond class time and, during classes, encourage silent, separate working spaces.
- Quick, sharp breaks are built into the day. Healthy snacking, a little time outdoors and good hydration all aid focus.
This guide, recommended by the Woodard Corporation, is a useful further source.
As ever, we’re keen for feedback too. We’ll be surveying parents, teachers and students just after exeat weekend to discover how we can refine things further.
Dr John Herbert, Deputy Head
(Published January 2021)