Building on its STEAM approach to teaching and learning, technological innovation over the past several years enabled St. John’s to adapt swiftly and decisively to the new circumstances and to offer online, real time instruction to students beginning Tuesday, March 17. Through Office 365 and Microsoft Teams, all teachers were able to set up secure online classrooms, in which they could connect with students and colleagues synchronously and asynchronously with live instruction that involves screen sharing and the ability to work through problems, live chat to pose and answer questions, teacher-generated instructional videos, and other instructional and assessment resources.
To achieve this swift transition, on Monday, March 16 the School held an in-service day for the faculty, administration, and staff, in which several Middle Division teachers and administrators were able to successfully train/fortify teachers and staff from the Early Childhood and Elementary Divisions. By the end of the day, teachers were proficient in online video conferencing, had populated classes in Teams, and were ready to begin age-appropriate instruction the following morning.
Through the transition to remote learning, the School has communicated openly and often. Upon the conclusion of the second week of remote learning, the School conducted a parent survey to formalize the feedback loops and data collection. In Middle Division, students and teachers were also surveyed. Teachers are proud of their work and appreciate the recognition from parents. On average, students noted that they have about the same amount of work as before the transition to remote learning. They find the live lessons very helpful and are handling the adjustment to remote learning well. In addition, they appreciate the balance between live and asynchronous classes and the resources that are available, such as office hours and daily advisory check ins, and feel comfortable reaching out for help when they need it.