Covid-19: What happens if school is closed?

Wednesday 4 March 2020

E-Learning | Distance Learning

As I write, governments in 119 countries have closed educational institutions in an attempt to contain the virus Covid-19. In some of these countries schools have been closed for weeks and others are closing in an attempt to contain the spread of the virus.

Students and teachers are being forced to complete schooling online. E-learning | distance learning is becoming a necessary modus operandi (a way of operating) instead if being an extension of classroom activities. We must do our best to offer high quality learning experiences remotely.

I learnt the value  - as well as necessity - of e-learning when I was director of a school in the Middle East at a time of civil war. One Friday night two thirds of my students flew back home, and for the next six months we had to teach using online tools.

I write this blog in the hope that the tips it contains will help students and their teachers as they face the reality of online learning.

IB Update

The International Baccalaureate keeps you informed on issues relating to Covid-19 and its impact on schools HERE. Their newsletter (27 February 2020) covered who to contact | internal assassessment | examinations | professional development.

Online learning, teaching and education continuity planning for schools, IB, March 2020. The guidance here is intended for staff supporting schools that are facing closures and quarantines due to the Covid-19 (Coronavirus) outbreak. It is contains suggestions and guidelines for online and blended learning, with further suggestions for free apps and solutions for schools that may not have online or mobile solutions in place at the time of closing. 


    Tags: Covid-19, distance learning, E-learning