“The COVID-19 outbreak has led to an unprecedented global crisis impacting all areas of life – financial, social and psychological. Keeping with our motto ‘Scripting Childhood’, human values and children always come first at Anchorwala Education Academy. Therefore, the strategy we have chalked out for navigating this uncertain phase not only encompasses increased usage of technology to continue the teaching-learning process but also several financial relief measures for anxious parents.” – Shilpa Kenia, secretary of the CISCE affiliated Anchorwala Education Academy (AEA) – Mumbai’s top ranked co-ed day school.
A recipient of the EducationWorld Grand Jury Award 2019 for STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math) education excellence, AEA is a pioneer in technology integration in the teaching-learning process. Among the first schools in Mumbai to implement a virtual learning solution following the Covid-19 pandemic outbreak, the school has been drawing upon the expertise of its faculty in leveraging digital technologies to deliver quality online learning. During the ongoing nationwide lockdown, the school has ensured uninterrupted learning for students in several innovative ways including:
Staff orientation and training
The AEA teaching faculty and management were oriented to the concept of virtual learning through a through a one-week virtual round table conference. The conference also covered training in Zoom app for conducting online classes and creation of digital resources in the absence of physical textbooks and notebooks.
Online classes powered by Zoom
An orientation session on using the Zoom app was conducted for parents, daily online class time-table and attendance sheet were created and a one-point contact for addressing and resolving technical glitches and communication issues while hosting online classes was shared with parents and teachers. The virtual classes went live after the digital resources along with classwork, practice work and projects were put up online for the students.
Thus far, the virtual classes have been running smoothly everyday for 2.5 to 5 hours — longer hours for the higher grades.
“While we have been receiving positive feedback from students and their parents for the online classes, the AEA staff and management are committed to go the extra mile to make life easier for all stakeholders during these challenging times. We have already waived off the late charges for school fees and are encouraging monthly fee payment. We are also ensuring the health and safety of our security personnel by providing them with healthcare and food necessities,” says Kenia.
Parent voices:
A big thank you to all teachers and everyone from AEA for giving your precious time in such a critical situation. Thanks to you Vilas sir for your kind words which keeps us connected and inspires us to care for each other.
-Parent of Jeet Mukesh Mange, Class V-A
Excellent decision taken by AEA of online schooling. Kids are enjoying their studies a lot. They are very very excited to see their teachers online and learn. Daily PPT is helpful for us parents also as we are getting clear reference of all that has been taught. Proud to be a part of AEA.
– Parent of Ammar Asim Shaikh, Class II-C
The idea of online learning is super impressive. The kids are enjoying it a lot. It’s good that they are able to study during the quarantine period.
– Parent of Khyati Jatin Bheda, Class VII A