The first lesson of the semester: We are far apart but stand together

On Feb 10th, some campuses of the Knowledgelink started the new semester online. Greeting each other through the screen was one of the important parts of the first lesson.

Due to the spread of the new coronavirus (COVID-19) in China, the ministry of education announced the school opening was postponed. But our Chinese and American teams have already begun to prepare for online teaching programs since Jan 27th. On Feb 10th, our online classroom officially opened.

 

KL-St.Mary’s-Pinghu Online class

KL-Oakhill-Shenzhen Online Class

KL-St.Mary’s-Wuhan Online Class

KL-St.Mary’s-Haimen Online Class

KL-Barstow-Ningbo Kent Online Class

 

In a week, we have conducted a series of trainings for our deans, faculty, parents and students, including how to use Schoology and Zoom (our online course platforms) for online teaching. In addition, standards are also set for teachers’ teaching and students’ attendance.

Knowledgelink also delivered online orientation for students and parents to remind parents to supervise the process of online teaching. The academic team divided the disciplines and carried out the integration of relevant teachers’ teaching resources, the formulation of teaching standards and training. The four academic groups are: science academic research group (Lisa Rosales as team leader), math academic research group (Zach Conrad as team leader),humanity history research group (Eric Russell as team leader) and English research group (Joshua Roever as team leader). The four academic groups are coordinated by Brett, the Regional Dean of the northeast.

 

 

Training is indispensable to the smooth delivery of our class. In the process of teacher training, we have some important tips to share with you.Training is indispensable to the smooth delivery of our class. In the process of teacher training, we have some important tips to share with you.

1. Find your space. Comfort is No.1 and reduce the external noise. The point is getting yourself comfortable.

2. Set up the camera in a position where you’re face is clearly visible. Test the camera and audio. Grab your favorite beverage and keep it close.

3. Prepare classroom materials to be displayed in advance and learn to use various functions of Zoom classroom.

4. Get all students engaged by having them type their responses in the zoom group chat. Incentivize participation by requiring active responses for participation grade.

5. Check student understanding and ensure participation through the use of Quizzes or Kahoot.

6. Use online resources and software to support your classes.

7. Take emergency measures for equipment failure or functional failure in advance. Like use whiteboard to explain concepts and ask questions when PPT and online resources are not working.

 

With the cooperation and support of all our teams, teachers, teaching assistants, parents and students, our six campuses (St.Mary’s-Wuhan, St.Mary’s-Pinghu, St.Mary’s-Haimen, Oakhill-Shenzhen, Barstow-Ningbo Kent, Barstow-Ningbo Haishu ) successfully conducted online classes and received high praise. Other Knowledgelink campuses will also carry out online teaching in accordance with the original plan based on the principle of ” Classes suspended but Learning cotinues”.

 

Editor: Stella、Alice、Liping