The pandemic is not over yet! The government is determined to get schools back to full capacity in September, but with the threat of further waves of infection and local lockdowns, a blend of onsite and remote learning are required.
A “new normal” is a term coined for the moment, but it is far from normal as the creation of blended learning for the “new now” is a requirement that is going to be Ofsted inspected. Ofsted will “focus on carrying-out visits” and will look at “how leaders are managing the return to fulltime education for their students, including considering blended learning” https://www.gov.uk/guidance/education-plans-from-september-2020
Even if the schools have remote learning capability, are they engaging the students?
Does the school have enough blended learning resources to provide a full curriculum?
Whether school are using a Microsoft, Google or Apple Digital Collaboration Platform (DCP), Virtual Learning Environments are still required to deliver good curriculum content.
Schools who have struggled to provide learning during the Covid-19 pandemic so far, will not get a free pass for the upcoming academic year.
Historically not enough resource has been placed on content creation in these environments.
During the 2020 lockdown live statistical figures from leading VLE platform providers have highlighted a 30% drop in engagement from students, falling to 35% towards the end of the term.
https://edtechnology.co.uk/e-learning/remote-learning-during-lockdown-saw-engagement-fall-by-30/
Other studies have found inadequate resources and lack of planning, preparation and assessment materials were a source of “remote learning fatigue”, some students and peer-observations have cited a lack of training in online presenting, with others not enough eLearning materials.
What are the solutions?
- Does the school have Google Classroom, Microsoft M365 or Apple Classrooms (DCP)?
If not we can help? Ascot London Consulting has the skills and services to get any school online quickly and efficiently. - Does the school have a VLE platform?
VLE Platforms have improved vastly over the last 10 years, investment in a platform, training and pedagogy are an essential element of remote learning. If a school do not have a platform we can help? We are vendor agnostic and not tied to any one provider, but if initial outlay is the issue, then low-cost versions are available. - eLearning resources!
Pre-purchased eLearning resources are a mechanism for curriculum delivery, but they are no substitution for a well-prepared eLearning resource from the teacher themselves. If you need help with the strategy of eLearning, we have vast experience with helping to create eLearning teams, sourcing eLearning platforms and helping find the right solutions for schools. - Training strategies and programs
Professional development and focused training are essential for boosting educator’s competence and equipping teacher’s with the tools and strategies to deliver.
How can we help! Check out these resources for an overview of these related services https://ascot.london/m365-migration/
