Entering deep into a pandemic as grave as covid19, one of the most hampered section is, a school. The constant changing scenario has although enabled the students and teachers to cope well with the help of online classes, but it is far from what is normal in another scenario. Due to this crisis, classes are suspended, annual exams were cancelled, board exams were postponed or initiated with limited capacity etc. The complete sector has suffered significantly in these testing times.
The educational sector has never undertaken an online experiment of this magnitude. The urgent need to find a suitable learning platform and process to accommodate the needs of teachers and students began quickly but required lots of systematic research. They needed to find something that allowed teachers to set work, students to upload, teachers to provide feedback and students to respond, all while having a user-friendly interface, took time and patience.
Limitations
- Internet access: Everyone needs up and running internet for a smooth class. The breakage of voice, sharing of data etc. can be chaotic if not done with proper internet.
- Availability: Due to umpteen unavoidable factors, availability of everyone at the same time can be a problem.
- Efficiency: Let’s face the fact that the efficiency of an online class won’t be at par to that of a normal class. There will be a lot of lags hampering efficiency.
- Improvisation: Monotony can be a constant factor which should be dealt with to make the classes interesting and communicative.
Top lessons for teachers
- Expect less from students: No two students are the same. In these differential times, teachers should be considerate enough to give flexibility to every student in terms of deadlines and submission. Some students fly and some struggle.
- Plan a variety of tasks: In a class, all follow a set pattern for the curriculum. But take this opportunity of lockdown to plan a series of tasks for the little ones to explore their various skills and creativity.
- Reach out to other teachers: It always helps to vent out the concerns and confusions to others, sailing in the same boat. Each one has their own experiences, and sometimes they are of great help to others for better methods of teaching.
- Appreciate students: Give positive feedback to all students for their hard work and commitment. This will help them to keep going, do better and thus improve their results gradually.
Top Lessons for Students
- See this as an opportunity and not as a competition: These times are not a test which you need to excel, but a chance to improve your basics and skills.
- Help is only an email away: If you are stuck somewhere then don’t hesitate to ask for help. Don’t sit being helpless if you are not able to understand anything.
- A mammoth way to learn: There is no one way to learn things or enhance skills. When the teacher is giving an opportunity to assign tasks, take full advantage of it. You can find a documentary, watch a TEDtalk, listen to a podcast, ask help from family etc.
- Stay in Touch: It’s really easy to feel isolated at this time when you are starved of time with your friends or simply the world outside your four walls. Keep in contact with your friends. You’re all in this together and can help each other through any difficulties.
SelaQui International School is following every lesson in the book to engage and encourage students for healthy development. It is the best boarding school in Dehradun with every modern facility and amenity. As an institution, they understand the gravity of the situation and thus takes the utmost care of its students and staff. Also, they have an experienced and well-versed staff, which is taking great pain to maintain the momentum of the class and school, even in these difficult times. The school is open for admissions for the new session.
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