Remote Learning at Your Fingertips
With governments around the world recently scrambling to navigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on K-12 education, one thing is for certain: digital integration has never been more valuable.
Technology at the Core of Curriculum Delivery
The sudden need for an alternative, home-based method of delivery is a challenge Av Christi College was particularly well-placed to meet for its 1,300 students across Years 7-12. One of only a few high schools in Western Australia to have achieved Apple Distinguished School status, the College’s preparedness goes beyond having an existing 1-to-1 device policy for its students. Technology is already a core aspect of curriculum delivery, with students enjoying a learning environment that allows them to create, interact and explore on their iPad. Apps are utilised in innovative ways in all subjects, even in Health & Physical Education and the Arts.
This digitally-enriched culture meant it was less of an initial shock to adjust existing lessons to the online sphere. In a demonstration of agility and teamwork, the teaching staff at the College – along with Director of Digital Integration Jamie Clark and the ICT team led by Network Manager Daniel Chapman – finessed a learning environment where every student could log on remotely and participate in engaging classes with their teachers and peers online.
“Our remote learning strategy provided staff and students with a familiar structure and helped maintain clear routines and expectations. Whilst we miss being in the classroom with students, our expertise in technology integration has meant we can continue to deliver engaging and meaningful learning experiences online”.
-Jamie Clark
Guidelines for Remote Learning
The virtual classes have been supported by clear guidelines for students on how to prepare for and attend their lessons, including taking care of their wellbeing and workspaces at home. Children of essential workers were also able to come to school at the end of Term 1 and log on from their designated classrooms. Both students and staff alike took the shift to remote learning in stride, embracing the unexpected change as an opportunity.
Ready for the Future
The feedback from parents has been unanimous: the proactive response and engaging lessons have exceeded expectations and are comparatively above and beyond the offerings of other schools across the nation. In facilitating the seamless continuation of the school term, families can rest assured their children’s education is taken care of in a time of unprecedented societal upheaval.
As Catholic schools in Western Australia continue to review school attendance requirements – starting with the return to face-to-face learning for Years 11 and 12 in Term 2 – the College is well positioned to deploy the appropriate mode(s) of learning for the situation at hand.
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