Getting the best from Online Learning
To fully support pandemic control and prevention measures, our school switched to a 100% online learning model this week. In this article, we are going to look at how some of our students and teachers are responding to the experience of online learning, and how we are still providing the ‘Dulwich Difference’ during this time.
Our online learning, which is based on both our previous experiences and also the most recent educational research, combines real-time lessons, recorded lessons, resources and activities, individual and group tasks. Teachers are available for office hours each day and also check for student engagement for each and every lesson. Well-being and support are purposefully planned into the curriculum. Whilst Co-Curricular activities were suspended this week, to give students and teachers time to adapt well to the online environment, an online CCA programme will start next week.
Students are kept informed and connected through the tutor time that takes place every day, and also through their yeargroup team. Therefore, it is important that students pay attention to these key communication channels. Our IT team is on hand throughout the school day to support technical issues.
Lucas L. (DHSZ-Y11)
Q Were you able to adapt quickly to online learning? Why do you think that was?
A Online learning is great. Teachers are always patient and answer student's questions.
Q What have you found most useful so far with online learning?
A The most useful thing is that students have more time to ask teachers questions and control their own spare time.
Q How have your teachers helped you?
Teachers answer my questions in-office hours.
Q What have you done to make your learning effective?
A I make sure I go over my notebook when I finish studying each day.
Andy C. (DHSZ-Y12)
Q Were you able to adapt quickly to online learning? Why do you think that was?
A I can adapt quite quickly since online learning is nothing new for us and the school has also made the process more sophisticated and efficient when compared to the start of the pandemic.
Q What have you found most useful so far with online learning?
A What I found most useful is that with the online learning schedule, I can have more flexibility, since we have less lesson time but more office hours, for us to get my own learning sorted, and do the work I think is most useful (in addition to homework.)
Q How have your teachers helped you?
A One of the ways my teachers helped me is to send out the materials (such as PPTs) needed for the upcoming lesson ahead of time so that I can access them as we go through the lesson to help with my notetaking.
Q What have you done to make your learning effective?
A Reviewing the notes of the day after lessons and before I start to do the homework--since we now have more time to study on our own.
Audrey P (DHSZ-Y11)
Q Were you able to adapt quickly to online learning? Why do you think that was?
A I think I did adapt very quickly to the online learning. Probably because I have already had this experience last year. Also, my teachers have arranged the class time very quickly and given us many clear instructions, so I know what to do clearly.
Q What have you found most useful so far with online learning?
A Compared with taking lessons at school, online learning gives me chances to listen to what teachers said again. Because there are recordings. This means when I have questions, it is easier to catch up.
Q How have your teachers helped you?
A My teachers always update PPTs and notes in time, which I think is great. Moreover, they always answer my questions patiently as soon as they see my messages.
Q What have you done to make your learning effective?
A I usually organize my notes during office hours and after school, so that I can find out those points that I do not understand in time, and then ask teachers.
Teachers
Ms Kimberley Murray, Head of Art
Q How have you and your team found the sudden switch to online learning?
A Because we have done it before and are using the same systems it was smooth. We are organised as a team so we know what we are doing and keep up to date.
Q What have you noticed about how the students have been engaging with online learning?
A Art is a creative subject and we have creative ways to learn online. Students have been getting hold of the materials that they need and we have been helping them with alternatives when needed.
Q Most students are learning very well online, what have you noticed about these students?
A They have their cameras on, they talk to their teacher and classmates, they do the tasks each day, so they are keeping well organised and engaged.
Q Are students finding online learning challenging?
A Organisation is key. Students could perhaps use their school diaries or outlook to record what they need to do. They can set reminders and use notes to help them. Teachers are happy to help so please reach out.
Mentors
For students facing challenges, the school has set up a system of mentors. Students can access the mentors via their tutor or Head of Year.
Q What are some of the ways that you have been helping students?
It is about being able to be a voice for them so they can tell me their problems and help them to try to find a strategy or suggestion for how to improve them. I might suggest changes they can make or suggest activities that can get the students away from the screen to refresh.
The pastoral team are always keen to support students and families in any way, so parents should feel free to contact their assistant Head of Year through the usual channels.
