ONLINE LEARNING AT ND
Strategic Planning Prepares Academy
ONLINE ENV “We are well prepared for this transition. Throughout these years, Notre Dame has created a technologically sophisticated learning environment with enhanced mobility features. Together, we move into this new opportunity for our teaching/learning community. The Academy of Notre Dame de Namur has provided an outstanding educational experience since 1856. These days and months ahead - in an online environment - will continue that fine tradition.” ~ Dr. Judith A. Dwyer, March 12, 2020 In February 2020, as information from the CDC, international, state, and local health agencies raised concerns regarding the novel coronavirus, COVID-19, Notre Dame began to take steps to safeguard the health and safety of the learning community. At the same time, the Academy assessed plans to deploy the school’s online learning protocol, under continuous development through the Academy’s 2015-2020 Strategic Plan, Our Time to Inspire, if needed. On March 12, Head of School, Dr. Judith A. Dwyer informed the community that instruction would transition to a fully online environment, effective March 16. Online teaching and learning continued through the remainder of the academic year. The seamless movement to an online environment demonstrated immense flexibility and innovation by students and teachers. Within the online environment, faculty continued to emphasize the importance of relationships, meeting their students through Google Meet (a Google-based video conferencing service) in smalland large-group settings. They leveraged resources like YoTeach!, or Kahoot to facilitate discussion, maintain routine, and provide feedback, as in a traditional classroom.
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Teachers employed video software to revamp their instruction, using applications like QuickTime and Screencast-o-Matic to record lectures, notes, discussions, sample annotations, and labs. They also utilized the Google Suite of applications, Educreations, and Edpuzzle to assign work for students to complete asynchronously, encouraging students to learn at their own pace. Asynchronous learning encouraged students to take breaks from the screen, a necessity in an online environment. Professional development sessions, conducted through zoom, reviewed the pedagogical benefits of technological applications, such as FlipGrid. Students observed the Academy,s Online School Protocol and Etiquette guidelines, which included wearing their ND polo or ND Sweatshirt when conferencing with teachers for class.
