Flexible and remote learning in Victorian schools could be permanent
After successful application during the coronavirus outbreak school leaders are already adopting changes from remote learning, while some schools weigh up the idea of having distance education become a more permanent fixture.
HS Coronavirus News
Don't miss out on the headlines from HS Coronavirus News. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Principals have unveiled their ideas for schools of the future as they plan to keep aspects from remote learning.
School leaders are already adopting changes from distance education as the State Government announced a summit to explore lessons learnt.
The Herald Sun understands some regional high schools are considering allowing students to learn from home one day a week, to reduce travel or captivate children otherwise disengaged or with anxiety.
Schools have discussed ideas of having some classroom teachers move to remote instruction to educate pupils who remain home. It’s expected schools will survey students’ results from home learning before they decide to make any change to on-site education.
Yarra Primary in Richmond is launching its own review, with principal Saraid Doherty saying it was looking at “flip learning” — giving students revision before a lesson so they go into class with context.
“Remote learning made the curriculum more visible, it gave the opportunity for children to get into more technology,” Ms Doherty said. “Not just working in work sheets but being more active — filming activities and having those higher levels of engagement.
“The kids are doing podcasts, they’ve been doing some assessments online, and I think we’ll continue that.”
Holy Saviour Parish Primary School principal Steve Evans said his school would also use more technology.
“We’ve been running our staff meetings on Zoom and it’s worked well,” he said.
Mr Evans said the communication with families had strengthened and he expected parents to be more involved.
“They’ve all become really flexible in their working lives, it’s helped build our partnerships with the parents and I think it will be a much stronger bond between the staff, students and parents moving forward,” he said.
Victorian Association of State Secondary Principals president Sue Bell said more schools would hold staff meetings on Zoom, or continue to run Facebook Live or Youtube Live streaming to communicate with families.
Education Minister James Merlino said the summit would involve public, Catholic and independent schools.
“When you look at the way schools have responded (to remote learning), there is gold. We have to mine that gold and make it a feature of our education system,” he said.
COLOURFUL SOCKS AND CLEAN HANDS AS STUDENTS GO BACK
Libraries were off-limits, drinking troughs taped off and distancing dots on the floor as students returned to school yesterday.
High school students had study desks and lockers spread out while primary pupils were shown how to wash hands thoroughly.
Teachers lined the gates and doorways to applaud children as they arrived after eight weeks away, with preps, grades 1 and 2, and VCE students back in a staggered return.
At Bentleigh Secondary, 300 students wore colourful socks to celebrate putting “a sock to COVID-19”.
“We’re all pretty excited to get back,” year 12 student Rishika Naik said.
One-way entry and exits guided students through the campus, plastic coverings sat over library bookshelves and a cleaner was on site all day.
Principal Helene Hiotis said it was “like joy to my ears” when students arrived.
“For weeks I’ve been here alone with Bentleigh the cat. I’ve missed them,” she said.
Steve Evans, principal of Holy Saviour Primary in Vermont South, said there was a buzz around the school.
“All the staff are walking around with a new spring in their step and the children are full of renewed energy” he said.
Austin, 6, said it was fun to be back “because my friends and I get to play together”.
Yarra Primary students were welcomed by Pharrell Williams’ song Happy.
Claire, 5, showed what school at home was like with a drawing of her watching videos with dog Roughy.
“He would lie down with me — but I don’t miss him, school is just normaler,” she said.
At North Melbourne Primary, Emma, 5, and Tom, 7, said goodbye to their mum Michelle.
“Working from home and having two kids homeschooled has been interesting, but it has been neat having them there,” she said.
READ MORE:
NEW SAFETY RULES DON’T DAMPEN FIRST DAY BACK