What are the differences between virtual lessons and learning at school? How can parents help to make e-learning engaging? OWIS’s experts tell all…
As schools continue to remain closed amid the pandemic, the kiddos are continuing their e-learning at home. While video lessons simulate the classroom experience as closely as possible, there are subtle differences between the two. The learning experts at One World International School share what they are:
In-class learning: The teacher’s role
Whether learning takes place online or at school, teachers play an important role in empowering students. They spend a lot of time facilitating learning, besides providing direct instruction to students. At OWIS, a significant part of a teacher’s day is spent on conducting engaging, innovative activities for students, motivating them with positive feedback and monitoring students’ emotional balance – after all, an unhappy child is not a learning child!
Just as educators are adapting their teaching approaches due to Covid-19, they need your assistance as a parent to guide the learning process at home.
E-learning: The parent’s role
In this tricky time where e-learning is extended, parents are in the driver’s seat – you have a vital role in making the learning experience engaging for your children! First off, create a regular morning routine and assign a designated study area for your kids. Kids getting frustrated? OWIS recommends motivating and gently guiding them the way a teacher would. Allowing your kids to take a break from their books when needed will also help boost their morale.
E-learning at OWIS
While OWIS recognises that in-school learning is the most optimal setting, their e-learning programme has been specially designed to include key elements of the on-campus experience. This models OWIS’ school values: a balanced learning approach, time for individual teacher-to-student and student-to-student interaction, building positive relationships, fostering kindness and practicing mindfulness.
OWIS’ e-learning programme runs from 9am to 3.30pm daily and includes all regular classes including subject lessons, language, music and art lessons. OWIS has also intentionally included recreational lessons like PE, alongside daily opportunities for individual social check-ins for Early Childhood and Primary classes and pastoral care for Secondary students.
These sessions help students maintain their friendships, converse at a social level with their peers and maintain an engaging pastoral relationship with their educators. It also allows students to listen, empathise and be kind to each other. At the end of each school day, teachers conduct mindfulness or wellness activities to boost students’ morale.
Of course, OWIS recognises that e-learning is new for parents too. To give you a better understanding of how your kids are doing, there will be regular updates provided to parents.
With the shift to virtual learning, parents and teachers will have to work together even more closely than before. And even though the roles of parents and teachers have changed, we all still have the same goal: to make sure our kids are successful in the future.
Want to experience OWIS virtually and get more expert insights? Register for the virtual school tour here!
This post is in partnership with OWIS.