Learning at home via online classes is fast becoming a norm. In this interview, BabyTalk talks to Alister Bartholomew from Beaconhouse Malaysia to find out what he thinks about online or technology-based learning and how parents and teachers can support students to help them learn better at home.
Schools have recently opened their doors again in the midst of our battle against Covid-19. Can you give us a brief insight on what is happening in local schools now? What are some of the key SOPs and new structures that are being implemented to make schools a safer place for kids?
Honestly, there is not a one size fits all solution to safeguarding children’s wellbeing whilst maintaining educational efficiency in a post COVID-19 world.
Different schools in different parts of the country (or world for that matter) will serve different communities and impact children of different age-groups. This will necessitate tailor-made strategies that work within the confines of said communities.
The implementation of SOPs across our schools were thoroughly analysed and positioned. Some of the steps implemented was staggered timing on arrival and dismissal to avoid major congestion at the school entrance, stairways, corridors, and tight corners.
We also ensured there was sanitisation stations at every entry and exit point (whether it be to the building as a whole or individual classrooms), maintaining the necessary distance between students in class, implementing rotation schedules, mandatory wearing of masks and not forgetting the regular temperature checks for all within school compounds
One of the more drastic measures we took for some of our schools was to run a Hybrid Model for classes with a larger student count. We conducted classes physically in school as well as online at the same time – with a rotation schedule for students.
For schools to operate at an effective level, there must be a willingness to put in that additional effort to modify or create completely different SOPs for varying situations.
While time is certainly of the essence, especially with a virus that can spread so rapidly, we must understand that this will not be an overnight process. It will take weeks or months if not longer for all members of a school – right from teachers and students to parents and support staff to truly grasp and perfect the implementation of the SOPs.
We must be willing to give it the time it needs for these processes to be perfected for the long-term security and safety of students.
What are some of the challenges in terms of implementing these SOPs? How do you think we can overcome them?
At the core of it, the issue that most schools across the board will face is compliance.
Schools can devise and implement all the strategies and SOPs they want but without complete compliance from every member of their school community – be it teachers, janitorial staff, students, parents or administrators, these plans will prove to be pointless.
Surprisingly, this compliance was well received by the younger students compared to the more senior students. Contrary to what we thought the senior students are the ones we are finding greater challenges with when it comes to adhering to the SOPs imposed.
We believe this is where teachers and parents will have to play an important role. From our end at Beaconhouse, we have been preparing for this by coaching our teachers on how to best convey the importance of following the SOPs to their students.
We have also encouraged all our teachers to lead by example, to advise and give proper guidance and understanding on the new development of SOPs. On top of that, we developed well-articulated visuals that were shared with parents and students to help with the transition. We believe visual communications can be a more effective way to convey the message.
We are seeing more educational institutions that are aiming for a blended learning approach (classroom and online). In your opinion, what do you think of this approach? Can you share your thoughts about the best learning methods that schools can adopt during this time?
Education and learning are dynamic fields. So naturally, it is incumbent on schools to be as dynamic as required.
But to be honest, many educational institutions are still apprehensive about adopting the blended or hybrid learning approach.
However, in today’s climate, institutions are forced to think outside the box when it comes to educating students to meet the varied demands of students.
While this can be a positive learning approach when employed correctly, it may not be the best experience for all students. Even here at Beaconhouse, we have implemented our very own Hybrid Model approach to teaching in some of our schools. It has produced mixed results thus far and its something we are still working on.
There are several inherent benefits to blended or hybrid teaching models. For one, it is undeniable that it enables a more flexible learning style and allows students to be more self-driven and independent. It is more engaging learning process, and parents are more involved in the progress of their child.
However, there are other major factors to consider before moving forward – like the technical skills required by educators to conduct a class and follow through on syllabus whilst finding the right blend between classroom and online learning.
The juggling act of teaching the students that are physically present in class whilst also addressing those who are learning from home, is no easy task. Either group of students are liable to be left out.
So, the answer to the question of which works best is truly a subjective one. Schools should only adopt a method that they are confident they can carry out successfully based on their resources and expertise.
It is our duty to seize the opportunity to find new ways to address the learning challenges and bring about a new set of solutions previously considered too difficult to implement. At Beaconhouse, we see this as an invaluable opportunity to further innovate on our techniques and approaches to deliver the absolute best education for our students.
Coming back to online learning, what do you think are the advantages of using technology to teach/learn?
Online and digital learning can be tough to implement – especially on short notice and its intricacies mean it will be difficult for all students and even teachers to acclimatise to it quickly.
But there is no denying the immense benefits that come along with this new approach to education. While it is still a work in progress – as schools are still experimenting on how to best maximise the potential of online learning, some basic benefits are already coming to light.
Online learning allows us to leverage on three key factors to increase learning efficacy – these are visual, auditory, and kinaesthetic. This approach provides our students with the opportunity to receive a holistic education that stimulates the primary senses.
This also allows students to better interact with the lessons hosted online as compared to when they are seated passively in a classroom. The use of digital content such as online quizzes or videos make classes more interactive and fun which ultimately is beneficial for the students.
Online learning is also helping parents get more involved with their children’s learning journey and helping them keep better track of lessons.
Since MCO started I’ve heard from many parents about how they are now more involved than ever in their child’s education. They have shared with me how this has been an incredibly positive and enriching experience. I’m glad that there are parents that can clearly see this for what it is – a crucial opportunity for them to be more involved in the nurturing of their child.
However, above everything else, I must say the most important benefit of online learning is that it now offers us a ready-made safety net should the pandemic worsen again, and we are forced back into a lock-down.
With online classes still on-going, it will help in ensuring a smoother transition as compared to the first round when all of us were caught off-guard.
Many parents are also asking if technology-based learning is safe – what is your views on the challenges and disadvantages of using online education technology?
Complete online learning is still a work in progress approach to education, not just for Beaconhouse or schools in Malaysia but for schools around the globe. The process is not as efficient as it could be still but there is huge potential.
When it comes to online learning, I understand that there are valid concerns beyond just the efficacy of classes. The online setting can be a daunting and dangerous one, we must ensure that sufficient attention is given to planning and the implementation of proper safety measures.
While the digital sphere can be a powerful tool in education, it is a double-edged sword and can prove to be equally detrimental or distracting.
There needs to be continuous reviewing of safe practices within schools as new technologies become part of teaching and learning. This responsibility lies not only with the teachers and students but the parents as well. With such a hands-off approach, schools and teachers simply cannot exert the kind of control as they could before. It will be up to the students and the parents to supplement this with their own regulation.
Apart from that, accessibility and connectivity are still a question. Whether it is teachers having access to laptops or students having access to stable internet, much work still needs to be done for online learning to work for everyone.
But even if these issues get addressed, online learning still poses a challenge when it comes to younger students in particular. With their shorter attention spans and being used to more hands-on lessons, we have found that our younger students struggled to adapt and focus to an online teaching approach.
Online learning also poses a limitation as to how you can reach the students – the follow-up outside of those online lessons with materials are especially important and it is harder when students don’t have tangible reaction to it.
Therefore, I believe a 100% online approach to learning is still not entirely practical, there must be a gentler curve to a transition to online learning. Everything is good in moderation, and technology is no exception. A strategic combination of face-to-face teaching complemented by online lessons would be the best way forward.
What do you think are the new opportunities in education that we can leverage on during this time? How do you think education in Malaysia will evolve and change in the near future?
I believe that ultimately, we will look back at this phase as a harsh and life changing but necessary process that will benefit the education industry in the long-term.
Sure, this has been a big blow to the private education industry and teachers have been heavily burdened by this unprecedented situation. However, I believe that the lesson we have and will learn along the way, will prove to be worth the current sacrifices and loss.
The pandemic has forced the industry to fast-track its digitalisation. Perhaps this was something that should have been a long time coming, but now the pandemic has forced our hand. Like it or not, there is no turning back and luckily most schools in Malaysia seems to be adapting well.
The industry and its teaching staff have become more confident as well as embraced a digital future more whole-heartedly and more rapidly. This will benefit remote and long-distance learning approaches that will be particularly key in educating children in more rural communities.
Beyond that, the health and safety lessons that will be drilled into the minds of all members of the education community in the coming months, will put us all in good stead for facing future disease outbreaks.
All in, I think parents can look forward to a more dynamic and safe teaching environment for their children in the future.
How can parents and teachers help the younger generation ease into this new phase of education? What are the key areas to look into?
The most important piece of advice I can provide at this point is for parents and educators to be vigilant.
Be completely aware of the SOPs your school is implementing and be mindful that it is being implemented and followed rigidly. Keep an eye on your children, fellow teachers, or parents. When we support and check on each other in this way I think we can help make this process smoother and safer for all.
On top of this, communication will also be key. There must be open and consistent lines of communication between parents and teachers.
In these initial stages where parents will need to be aware of the SOPs and teacher will need to be aware of the children’s status. In the longer-term teachers will need to constantly update parents on the classroom situation, health of students and so on.
This level of awareness will be critical in maintaining a safe and secure environment for all involved.
Lastly, the younger generation need to be resilient and adapt to this ever-changing global environment.
Educators and parents should model a sense of hope and positivity, as hard as that is to foster emotional resilience to help them learn the areas in life they can control in uncertain times. Parents can also further impart life skills that are proving to be essential to navigate effectively through this pandemic.
Interview with Alister Bartholomew,
Regional Director,
Beaconhouse Malaysia
