First of all, what has changed, is the mind-set of teachers, students and parents in relation to distance learning. All of us experienced that online learning is possible under certain circumstances. With the start of the pandemic, we at our school installed in a quick time computers, monitors and internet access to all classrooms, so that students, who were-are sick or cannot participate in the class lessons for whatever reasons, could follow the lessons live from home.
Furthermore, we offered and are offering internal and external training for teachers regarding respective teaching methods and have bought online teaching materials such as the platform SchoolMe.
What was the biggest challenge at your school in moving to distance learning?
One of the biggest challenges was the lack of time to prepare in know-how as well as regarding the equipment with digital media. That was the case for teachers, as well as for the pupils. Furthermore, some students didn’t have internet access from homes, so we couldn’t reach them for a long time. Some parents were not collaborating much, as they didn’t know much to cope with the situation as well.
Did the Remote Schools project help you to develop distance learning at your school?
Yes, in some specific areas. Even the sharing of the opinions with other colleges has helped us improve distance learning. Very helpful have been also the topics of workshops, especially that of the assessment /examinations of students during online learning/teaching and development and organization of distance learning.
What did you find particularly interesting about this project? What else would you like to have?
Almost all topics were interesting and important for this field. We think that more practical tips, examples and ideas would be a great help as well.
What still needs to be done to make digital teaching at your school successful?
Further investment in the trainings of teachers, as well as awareness raising projects for pupils and parents, on how they can collaborate to make distance learning and teaching effective.
How do you see your school in about 10 years? What will have changed?
In 10 years we will have become a “digital school”, having a platform where all students, teachers, parents have access and can receive and give information, can share documents, opinions, important things, and where they can also see the lessons, exercises, homework, projects etc.
How would you describe the potential for your school/country to continue integrating forms of digital teaching into everyday school live?
As a private school, we have all the potential to be one of the leading schools in our country, because we are willing and are working strongly in this direction.
