Schools across the country have been closed for five weeks since a national state of disaster was declared and are set to remain closed for a further 4-6 weeks. Even though time has been lost in physical classrooms, this period has accelerated the use of online learning methods. “Whilst focusing on getting through the crisis, we are breaking ground for new and innovative ways of educating and supporting our students which will remain relevant in a post COVID-19 environment,” says Christel House South Africa CEO, Adri Marais.
Our Junior School uses a bite-sized learning approach, which involves sharing small but valuable chunks of information with students every day. With the aid of workbooks, help from parents and bits of content shared by teachers via WhatsApp, students have been able to continue to learn and follow the academic curriculum. Our High School students make use of tablets, which are loaded with weekly data bundles. “Having access to a tablet is such a privilege for me. It has made life much easier during the lockdown. I can have daily Zoom classes and do my school research. Online classes are completely different from being in class, it requires independence and responsibility. Being introduced to new facilities and new teaching strategies is a good thing and I’m happy about it,” comments Charnelle, a Grade 9 student at Christel House South Africa.
Donors such as Dell, Blue Label Telecoms, Flickswith and the Actuarial Society of SA have been instrumental in supporting our digital needs. However, the cost of data remains hugely prohibitive to online learning, so we continue to look for more affordable solutions and reach out to more donors to support our students’ data needs.
Our Junior School uses a bite-sized learning approach, which involves sharing small but valuable chunks of information with students every day. With the aid of workbooks, help from parents and bits of content shared by teachers via WhatsApp, students have been able to continue to learn and follow the academic curriculum. Our High School students make use of tablets, which are loaded with weekly data bundles. “Having access to a tablet is such a privilege for me. It has made life much easier during the lockdown. I can have daily Zoom classes and do my school research. Online classes are completely different from being in class, it requires independence and responsibility. Being introduced to new facilities and new teaching strategies is a good thing and I’m happy about it,” comments Charnelle, a Grade 9 student at Christel House South Africa.
Donors such as Dell, Blue Label Telecoms, Flickswith and the Actuarial Society of SA have been instrumental in supporting our digital needs. However, the cost of data remains hugely prohibitive to online learning, so we continue to look for more affordable solutions and reach out to more donors to support our students’ data needs.