Taking on the Challenge of Distance Learning

Distance Learning Taking on the challenge of

By Liana Gooch Deputy Principal

Head of Science, Pramana Tedjosiswoyo embraces Distance Learning.

Agility and flexibility have characterised 2020 in terms of how staff and students have quickly adapted to Distance Learning amidst the Coronavirus pandemic. Out of adversity has arisen an array of highly valuable changes to teaching, learning and communication, many of which will continue well into the future.

At the end of Term 2, keen to obtain our community’s perspective about the Distance Learning experience, we surveyed staff, students and parents. I also interviewed a group of Year 7 and VCE students. Feedback revealed a range of important benefits. In the lead up to Distance Learning, staff undertook training related to teaching online and the associated tools and resources, as well as what constitutes an effective structure for an online lesson. These aspects have been reflected in overall positive feedback about the engaging nature of online lessons. If we consider the benefits from the student perspective, overall, they particularly enjoyed the acquisition of ICT tools associated with the online activities as well as working in the platform of Microsoft Teams. This mode of learning and communication has really altered the ways that staff and classes are able to communicate. While not physically together, students relished the opportunity to collaborate together in channels while sharing working documents and posting related communications and resources. Many students really enjoyed the flexibility of the learning day as well as self-paced learning where they could return to resources later. Furthermore, they had access to the teacher for feedback individually or in group work. Several of the VCE students commented on the sense of independence they acquired in directing the learning themselves which will continue to be an asset as they prepare for tertiary learning and industry. One popular benefit for all groups was the introduction of online parent teacher interviews. Gone are the days of navigating traffic and then arriving at School to rush around to find the location of each teacher. In the comfort of home, parents can now look forward to the familiar tone of the Microsoft Teams’ ring tone as a teacher invites them to discuss their child’s learning. We continue to consider the benefits and what aspects we could continue to use for the future.