Immediate Shift to Online Classes Using Google Classroom Following COVID-19 Closure Decision
Despite Some Limitations, School Authorities and Teachers Strive for Improvement
Active Communication with Parents Also Stands Out
[Asia Economy New York=Correspondent Baek Jong-min] Public schools in New Jersey, USA, where more than 13,000 cases of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) have been reported, have decided to extend the school closure period by two weeks until April 9. Including the previously scheduled two-week closure and a one-week spring break in April, normal classes will not be held for a total of five weeks.
In Korea, there are concerns about insufficient preparation for conducting classes online instead of attending school despite the start of the semester, but here, despite the extension of the closure period, the situation appears rather calm. The online classes provided through services by the 'search king' Google are cited as the background.
On the 29th (local time), public schools in Fort Lee, Bergen County, New Jersey, are conducting online classes through lessons created using Google's 'Google Classroom.' Fort Lee public schools have been closed since the 16th, but classes and attendance checks are proceeding normally.
After the sudden decision to close schools on the evening of the 13th, the schools immediately started online classes except for one day of preparation. This was possible because Google Classroom was already being used in regular classes.
Each student receives assignments and learning materials for each subject through Google Classroom. They also have one-on-one face-to-face sessions with teachers via Google's video chat service. If a student does not submit assignments on time or fails to attend, the teacher immediately checks and communicates with parents and the vice principal to encourage participation in online classes.
There are limitations to online classes through Google as well. All students must have internet access and a computer or smartphone. Since the service is based on Google, adapting to the reality in Korea, such as document creation, is not easy. It is also difficult to achieve the same effectiveness as formal school classes. The school is responding by discussing with teachers to modify the class progress method to aim for maximum effectiveness.
The school authorities are also making efforts to communicate with parents. The superintendent and each school principal are explaining the rapidly changing situation in detail to parents to alleviate anxiety.
Kennis Rota, Fort Lee Superintendent, emphasized in an email to parents, "The school authorities are continuously communicating with teachers, and since online education is a fluid learning process, please feel free to contact teachers or the principal if you have any questions."
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