Covid-19: Challenge & response

The silver lining of the Covid-19 crisis and the susbequent lockdown of all education institutions from KG to Ph D is that it has stimulated innovative ICT solutions to ensure continuity of teaching-learning. Here’s how several randomly selected institutional managements are responding to the Covid-19 challenge. Anchorwala Education Academy, Mumbai Among the first schools in Mumbai to introduce virtual learning solutions following outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic, the Anchorwala Education Academy (AEA) has drawn upon the expertise of its faculty in leveraging digital technologies to deliver quality online learning in several innovative ways. Staff orientation and training. AEA managers and teachers were familiarised with online pedagogies through an intensive one-week workshop. In particular, teachers were trained to use Zoom for conducting online classes and creating digital resources. An orientation session on using Zoom was conducted also for parents. Online classes. Daily online classes are being conducted according to time-tables and attendance musters are being marked. A one-point contact for resolving technical glitches and communication issues was shared with parents and teachers. Virtual classes went live in end-March after digital resources, including class and practice work and projects, were posted online. “We have received positive feedback from students and parents for our online classes. There is growing appreciation among all stakeholders that AEA staff and management have quickly introduced a smooth switch to online learning in these challenging times,” says Shilpa Kenia, secretary, AEA. Mount Litera Zee School, Amritsar Mount Litera Zee School, Amritsar (MLZSA) has steadily introduced new technologies in teaching learning over the past decade. After the nationwide lockdown was announced on March 24, the management and staff have smoothly transformed MLZSA into an engaging virtual school. Innovative initiatives taken by the management to ensure teaching learning continuity include utilisation of e-learning tools such as Skype, Google Meet and Google Classroom specifically designed for teachers and students, and teachers’ training in e-tools usage. The school’s in-house IT specialists and Microsoft Google master trainers have formulated e-learning schedules for each class, allotment and submission of assignments and disbursal of students’ work completed through Google Classroom and other e-learning resources installed in every classroom. “Our parents and students have been very supportive. None of our students has missed even one online virtual class. All of them are very enthusiastic about online learning and regular about completing their assignments. Our switch to online learning has been quick and successful,” says Manjot Dhillon, director, MLZSA. Sat Paul Mittal School, Ludhiana The management of Sat Paul Mittal School, Ludhiana (SPMS) — a Microsoft Showcase school — is committed to providing all students virtual learning amid the ongoing nationwide lockdown through its Remote Learning Work Plan (RLWP). The plan is being implemented through: Student orientation. A detailed roadmap outlining RLWP and expected outcomes has been sent to all students. Virtual classrooms. SPMS teachers are leveraging MS Teams, Flipgrid, Wakelet, OneNote and Office 365 programmes to create and share e-learning resources with students. Software suites used include Presenter, eWhite Board, Screencast-o-Matic, and Wondershare Filmora to enrich teaching-learning…