Worried about your child’s education in times of COVID-19 pandemic? You’re not alone! With the local government extending the closure of schools in Greater Noida & Delhi NCR, many parents are worried about how this year will turn out. In 2020, the education industry was hit hard by the pandemic, with over 1.2 billion students from across 196 nations affected during the lockdown (Source: World Economic Forum). Parents worldwide shared their concerns regarding screen addiction, examination & assessment methods, the lack of engagement in online classes, growing dependence on technology, and loss of social touch in the absence of physical classes. It resulted in a significant ‘mass movement’ from classrooms to online learning platforms.
Last year, the best schools in Greater Noida & Delhi NCR used video conferencing tools, online software, video sites, language apps, etc., to continue learning at home in hopes of seeing students in classrooms this academic session. However, due to the recent surge in COVID-19 cases nationwide, online learning seems an optimal solution in the current situation. Even the global education statistics state that online classes helped bridge learning gaps by introducing different learning styles and increasing information retention.
Here are some top education trends of 2021, which the best schools in Greater Noida & Delhi NCR can adopt this year to enhance students’ offline and online learning experiences.
- HyFlex Learning Model
- Micro Learning
- Online Formative Assessment Tools
HYFLEX – HYBRID FLEXIBLE LEARNING MODEL
The HyFlex (Hybrid Flexible) learning model combines online learning with the offline approach. Students are allowed flexibility in terms of class participation, engagement with course material, and mode of learning. They can participate synchronously– that is, attend physical classes to receive face-to-face instructions or enjoy the live classroom experience via video conferencing, participate asynchronously through offline course works and activities, or use a combination of both.
The objective of HyFlex learning model is to optimise pedagogies and course content for both online & offline platforms. This provides equal learning opportunities for all students having different learning styles. Students can try multiple learning methods, access different types of course materials during the class or collect them from their school later. Regardless of the choice made, all students will achieve the same learning outcome-the mastery of course content. This is the main idea behind this HyFlex learning model!
The Infinity School’s Reading, STEAM & Robotics Programs follow the HyFlex learning approach. Students have ‘thinking’ activities in every class, regular reading periods & STEAM/Robotics periods every week. Online & offline activities and materials are blended to hone reading & comprehension skills, early literacy, independent thinking, problem-solving, etc.
Click here to read more about our skill-development oriented curriculum.
https://www.theinfinityschool.org/curriculum/curriculum-philosophy.php
MICRO LEARNING
One of the disadvantages of online learning is that students can get distracted or bored while sitting before the screen for long hours. However, a self-serve (independent) approach empowers students to take ownership of their learning, thus, engaging and motivating them to learn further.
Mobile learning is a novel approach that covers learning through content and social interactions across different learning platforms on smartphones or similar electronic devices.
Microlearning-one of the important verticals of mobile learning aims at breaking down the comprehensive course content into smaller units, activities, or assignments to deliver learning content in smaller bursts. These smaller ‘chunks’ are organised and optimised according to specific learners’ requirements. For instance, teachers can divide a science lesson into smaller topics or units and use images, experiments, games, quizzes, or live demonstrations to teach each topic one by one. Instructional videos, charts, and scaffolded instructions follow each topic to refresh young minds before performing specific tasks.
While learning a lesson, learners are encouraged to design their own quizzes & activities. Teachers facilitate flipped learning inside the class by assigning one unit to a group of students and helping them explain their topic to the peers. This precise, to-the-point, training-based approach engages all students and helps them understand topics in a better way. Also, encouraging students to independently conduct classroom activities helps in long-term knowledge retention.
The Infinity School observes special weeks (e.g., literacy week, diversity week, heritage week, etc.) to expand students’ learning. The activities planned during these weeks are student-led, which help them apply specific concepts to real-life contexts.
Click here to see photographs of our classroom activities.
https://www.theinfinityschool.org/album_gallery_2020_21.php
ONLINE FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT TOOLS
Formative assessment summarises a student’s understanding of different topics by compiling their diagnostic and summative evaluation. It covers both aspects of student development – content mastery and identifying the socio-emotional needs of children. Usually, teachers start assessing a student formatively the minute they enter the classroom. However, if the learners are learning online, teachers can use learning analytics or online assessment tools.
Learning analytics and online formative assessment tools measure a student’s performance based on specific indicators like classroom participation, response to a question, ability to decode instructions given in the class, ability to use different resources, understanding & application of concept learned, etc. These indicators provide significant insights into learners’ preferences, engagement with content, effectiveness of curriculum & pedagogies, and areas that require improvement. The insights help teachers give detailed feedback, personalise classroom activities to bring all students on the same page, and optimise learning outcomes.
Overall, it is beneficial for teachers as it gives them a chance to get creative with education delivery. Teachers can use these tools to design classroom techniques to meet the requirements of a diverse group of students.
The Infinity School has partnered up with Educational Initiatives, to use their skill-based assessment tools like ASSET and DETAILED ASSESSMENT. These tools help improve students’ performance in subjects like science, English, and math through questions that involve a comprehensive understanding of subject matter and apply higher-order thinking skills to solve complex problems.
Click here to read about our academic associations.
https://www.theinfinityschool.org/about-us/academics-associations.php Emerging technologies and the latest education trends of 2021 have innovated online learning with tools that help educators and students identify & overcome their learning gaps. These educational initiatives can help the best schools in Greater Noida provide better support and guidance to students in the time of pandemic.
THE INFINITY SCHOOL 