While much has been written about some of the challenges in the move to online learning, at St Catherine’s we are finding that there are a number of positives. In pre-COVID 19 times, we were mostly enjoying being in our comfort zone and stretching the boundaries of that zone slightly to accommodate skills we needed or desired. However, COVID-19 has forced us all out of our comfort zones and, finding ourselves outside our nice bubble. It has become a matter of adapting, and adapting quickly to new situations, new skills, new ways of doing things and new forms of interaction.

“As you move outside of your comfort zone, what was once the unknown and frightening becomes your new normal” is a quote by Robin S. Sharma. I think this is particularly relevant to the times we are finding ourselves in. As we move into Week 4 of online learning, many of us now have a ‘new normal’. So, what are the positives we can take from the girls’ transition to online learning?

Technology provides girls with new skills

Many of the girls are enjoying learning and using the new technology of MS Teams, its features, using the portal to access tasks, links and learning materials, and the general use of ITC skills. These will be skills that will carry the girls many years into their future.

Girls are engaged in their learning and are making progress

Survey results from both parents and girls is that they are very engaged with online learning. Many have mentioned that they find it easier to concentrate when online and when accessing recorded segments in comparison to being distracted by fellow classmates when at school.

St Catherine’s is committed to delivering Term 2 curriculum and the girls are learning new content and skills, and making gains. Work collected by teachers is being assessed and feedback given to help promote further progress.

Girls are becoming more self-directed learners

When in the classroom, girls can be quick to put their hands up to seek help; however, when on line, they need to watch, listen and process while the teacher delivers the explicit teaching segment and given instructions. The outcome of having to wait a few minutes has led some girls to be more likely to find a solution to work it out for themselves.

Our girls are demonstrating more persistence, resilience and self-efficacy

The quick change to online learning has brought about the need for girls to be more persistent because a component of the lessons is that they will be self-directed in accessing the necessary links and lesson materials but also in completing the activity. What started as something that was a little scary, the girls have persisted, showing bravery and resilience as they found their way around devices, apps and the portal. They had to employ the strategy – “I am going to give this a go!” which resulted in failures and eventually success. This positive mindset is key to being a good learner and developing more belief in their own capabilities. The younger they develop this mindset, the better learner they will become. Scientists currently trying to find a vaccine for this virus are demonstrating the same strategies and attitudes.

They are developing more patience and a greater willingness to provide support for others

Getting an immediate answer or response is not always possible when learning online. Our girls are learning to show patience (not so much in the first few days) but much more evident now. They are also supportive in trying to help others, including staff. My Extension English Class showed great patience and support when I experienced difficulties in playing a film clip for them the other day. They were extremely patient and supportive, giving me instructions, and for this I was truly grateful!

They are realising the value of friendships and positive social interactions

Going to school meant groups of friends and high levels of social interactions, often taken as a given. They would communicate with a large number of girls, often numerous times during a day. The reduced contact with friends and limited social interactions have taken away that free flowing contact with friends and classmates, so now when they do see them or speak with them online, it is a highlight of the day and greatly valued.

So, while we might hear negative stories about students not learning or progressing during the lock down, our girls have devices, are using MS Teams to have contact with teachers and friends, are learning curriculum content and skills, and are also developing many more skills and learning behaviours that will see them become better learners in the future.