"Suspending Classes but not Suspending Learning" at WFJLPS 

 

In the morning of 24 February, with the assistance of my senior leadership team members, I visited my students as usual, not physically but virtually. Although we have not been seeing each other for approximately three weeks during the class suspension period commenced on 3 February due to the spread of the Coronavirus disease (or called COVID-19), students were really very excited when they saw one another via the "Zoom" platform. 

 

The invention of e-learning platform cannot replace the face-to-face teaching effect wholly as conducted by teachers in their normal schooling, but the introduction of AI in its real sense can make the teaching process more effective and efficient. The quality of teaching, including what we want to teach, whether or not the teaching content is based on the teaching scheme of work or relevant for students' capability, how it is delivered and what kind of learning activities students are undergoing, etc., depends greatly on the professionalism of the teachers, which matters most. 

 

Teachers of various subjects have been trying out different e-learning ways to engage students with different learning styles since the start of the suspension period. Our teachers are currently in the process of reviewing our teaching and learning approach to make sure if our learning platform is at good quality, whether or not it can meet the interest and needs of our students. In the meantime, we shall continue to try all kinds of delivery modes to make learning meaningful so as to keep students engaged in their learning to realise how "Suspending Classes but not Suspending Learning" can make sense to them. 

 

Personally, I view that teaching online is not comparable with face-to-face lessons and the sole use of video learning strategy cannot satisfy children’s individual needs. As we know, children at the age of 6-12 need strong attachment with teachers and friends! Academic learning can only serve part of the education purpose but not all. Children need to be socially engaged. They need care, physical contacts, saying “Hi, Five”, intimate hugs and love. To build up such social engagement, all contacts should be physical, visible and touchable. Wofoo children are so innocent and lovely and we are all waiting for official resumption of schooling. Hope to see you all again!