The unique challenges presented by COVID19 in the 2020-2021 school year provided many opportunities for leveraging technology to provide innovative pathways for student-centered teaching, learning, and assessment. This curriculum package is a manifestation of the following principles: integration of online and technology-enhanced learning; personalization; meshing of student learning styles; and utilizing digital tools to provide flexibility in teaching contexts.
Our teachers were excited to experiment with new digital learning strategies for our students. Parents were invited to learn how digital transformation can mean growth and choice, creativity, and collaboration for students by participating in training organized by the school. Students were eager to showcase and digitally share their learning, using Cisco WebEx, Seesaw, and Google Classroom to create concerts and performances even as they quickly mastered new creative skills.
As we strive for innovation, it was important to align ourselves with the latest technology and best practices. We implemented Cisco Webex, Seesaw, and Google classroom into our toolkit of collaborative applications. These applications are used for teacher-to-student and student-to-student sharing, presentations, and videos. Through these tools, students are able to have a networked digital experience across devices and platforms. Our staff is skillfully trained in these digital applications so they can support students learning in the classroom as well as at home.
Upon resumption, the hybrid model was established. To make this happen, the school ICT team used its knowledge of student needs, digital tools, and innovation to build a flexible hybrid model. All teachers involved were familiarized with the digital learning environment and had access to key learning resources. Students’ progress was tracked through e-portfolios and online streams.
Technology also generated more diverse assessment strategies. Through this technology, teachers could access students’ work in order to give them constructive feedback. This was a great way for the students to improve their learning by reflecting on their errors and sharing what they have learned with each other.
During the 2020-2021 academic year the ICT department has implemented a school-wide connectivity improvement. The school and classrooms are now covered with Wi-Fi networking. A new phone PBX (VOIP -Voice Over Internet Protocol) has been implemented and our internet bandwidth is now up to 80 Mbps. The school is now upgraded to Google Workspace Enterprise for Education and partnered with infosec to bring staff and faculty security training.
We are looking forward to an even more progressive 2021-2022 academic year full of INNOVATION.