Guidelines for Online Schooling – June 2020 – Middle Section

Resumption of GS Online Learning for Middle Section- June 2020

Guidelines for Students and Parents

Despite the challenges presented by the Covid-19 pandemic, Generation’s School remains committed to Quality Education. For us, that has always meant Academic Excellence, based on Values, leading to Leadership Qualities.

The School effectively made arrangements in the months of March and April 2020 to set up an online learning management system for Middle Section students, based on the technology provided by Zoom and Google Classrooms.

Online classes via Zoom were conducted according to the schedule posted on Google Classroom Assembly every week. Teachers also uploaded video lessons, related resources, assignments, and quizzes onto the relevant groups in Google Classrooms. Students were required to spend time on those lessons and quizzes every weekday: they were also expected to responsibly engage with the content, ask questions where needed, complete assignments and quizzes as per the instructions and deadlines given by their teachers.

Our teachers are now preparing to resume these online classes. It is important that the following guidelines are observed.

A. Principles of Online Teaching & Learning at Generation’s

1. Collaborative Efforts.
Development of children, especially if it is to be broad-based and holistic, is a collective and collaborative endeavour between the school, the teachers, and the parents. Online learning requires new and enhanced methods of collaboration, especially with regards to students’ day-to-day engagement, and feedback from parents. You might have observed gaps and challenges, especially in the early days and weeks, but do be assured that everyone involved has been trying their best to make teaching and learning effective.

2. Beyond Books.
Learning at Generation’s has always been beyond subjects and textbooks, and online learning should be no different. We will, therefore, continue to focus extensively on whole-child engagement and development. Along with academics, we will also focus on cross-curricular activities through the platform of different Clubs. These experiences may be new – and challenging – for teachers and students alike and will help in boosting self-confidence, skill development, effective communication, and much more.

B. Setup for Online Learning at Home

1. Physical Environment.
Please ensure that students have access to neat and clean desk space, away from noise and distractions. If possible, please allocate a separate room for their school-work. The availability of appropriate stationery and materials must be ensured ahead to time.

2. Hardware & Connectivity.
(a) While all our online learning activities are designed to be smartphone compatible, we recommend that each student has access to a reliable laptop or tablet device to whatever extent practically possible.

(b) Please ensure that every device being used has a strong and stable internet connection. This could be via home WiFi, or via mobile data packages over your phone.

(c) If possible, having access to a functional printer may make it easier for students to follow and complete the online learning activities.

3. Software & Operations.
(a) Following the previous pattern, students shall be using Google Classroom as the “learning management system” for all learning activities, and Zoom for live audio-visual interaction wherever required.

(b) Students have already been assigned GS IDs and passwords. The same IDs and passwords will be required for them to access the online learning portal on Google Classroom.

C. Scheduling & Routine

1. Timetabling
Every Friday next week’s block planner will be posted on Google Classroom Assembly. All students must attend the online classes according to the schedule. The classes will resume from Monday 15 June 2020. An induction session with the students will be taken up on Friday 12 June, 2020 insha’allah.

2. Regularity and Consistency.
Students must be regular and consistent, and parents are to please ensure that students are adequately prepared – physically and mentally – for their school day. Having a routine is of utmost importance not only for learning, but also for broader well-being, and it will give children a structure for them to have a day schedule visually in front of them (e.g. on a soft board or in their diaries). It will also help for them to mentally prepare themselves every evening for the next day’s lessons and activities.

D. Communication & Support

1. Communication with Teachers.
Students may communicate with the relevant teachers via messaging on Google Classroom Assembly.

2. Queries & Troubleshooting
In case of any queries, you may either email on mail@generations.edu.pk or message via WhatsApp on “Middle Section Online Learning Helpdesk” at 03182851887.

We hope and pray that students, teachers, and parents all benefit from these efforts, and we look forward to your continued support and cooperation towards our children’s learning and success, insha’allah.

Jazakallah al khayr,

Ms. U. Shakeel
Vice Principal, Middle & Senior Sections

June 09, 2020 / Shawwal 17, 1441

Download circular – Resumption of Online Classes Middle Section June 2020