Dear Parents,
We hope all of you are keeping safe and well during these difficult times. As a precursor to the online learning that will commence on 22 March 2020, here are a few details that you need to consider.
1. School Support and Staff Preparedness
We want to assure you that Merryland has been working closely with ADEK to facilitate the continuity of learning for our students. We are doing this by providing a high-quality online programme which our dedicated staff have organised to ensure that it is engaging, challenging, age relevant and culturally appropriate. Our teachers are also fully prepared to conduct online classes, answer student questions, and give meaningful feedback.
2. Online Learning
Online learning includes methodologies and practices that are not normally employed but offers scope for effective participation outside the classroom. Although teachers will be using technology, they will depend on their skills, experiences and expertise to make learning effective. Online learning is a new experience for most of our students who are used to face-to-face class interactions, and while children are quick to adapt to new technologies, they may require some time and support to get familiar with method and content.
3. Parental Support and Supervision
There are concerns about student wellbeing, solitude and lack of interaction with online learning. Your support to alleviate these apprehensions will be invaluable. It may be tedious if not impossible, especially for working parents to oversee their children’s learning all day, and this is definitely not our intention. However, all parents are expected to monitor their children’s learning frequently. ClassDojo allows parents to view assigned tasks, check student responses and teacher feedback, and communicate with teachers regarding students’ progress. In order to do this, all parents must register with ClassDojo
To facilitate online learning, teachers will also be using other online platforms like LiteracyPlanet, Reading Eggs, I read Arabic, I start Arabic, Kamkalima, Heymath etc. Online live classroom sessions are also ready to be used on requirement basis, with Cisco webex.
More importantly, online learning requires the use of the Internet and we are aware that children may be vulnerable without parental supervision. For further guidance on a secure online experience for your child, please refer to our e-Safety policy via this link: https://www.merrylandinternational.net/newsite/2020/03/19/internetsafety/
4. Student Responsibility
Online learning also requires a great deal of personal responsibility on the part of students. Hence, teachers and parents need to work collaboratively to encourage students to take ownership of and responsibility for their own learning. This implies that students take the responsibility of following a daily online school schedule starting at 8:00 am, Sunday to Thursday. Teachers will contact you if they find your child inactive. Moreover, students are expected to develop robust study habits and follow a personal study schedule beyond the time and space provided by online learning.
5. Online Learning Platform
Besides employing a variety of tools and apps, teachers will be using ClassDojo as the main communication platform. The ClassDojo QR codes for students and Alphanumeric codes for parents were distributed before the close of school, and some parents have already engaged with teachers in successful trials. If you have not received either of these codes or require guidance, please contact the class teacher.
6. Timing
All students are expected to log in to Class Dojo at 8:00 am, Sunday to Thursday in order to follow a daily timetable. Please contact the class teacher if you have not received a timetable for your child. Teachers will also want students to complete and return tasks before set deadlines. Students must complete their work by 2:00 pm.
7. Contact
We remain committed to supporting parents and addressing your concerns regarding online learning. We strongly encourage parents to use formal channels of communication including school assigned teacher e-mails. Your main point of contact will be the class teachers who along with administrative staff will be available till 4:00 pm on all days except Fridays to attend to any of your queries.
Thank you for your cooperation. We pray and wish good health and good will for all during this time.
Principal
[pdf-embedder url=”http://www.merrylandinternational.net/newsite/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/remote-learning-circular.pdf” title=”remote learning circular”]
