It has no doubt been an exhilarating three weeks into our first semester and learners have had a fair share of synchronous and asynchronous sessions with their teachers, as virtual learning continues to trend as the ‘new normal’. While transdisciplinary learning unfolds through our live and recorded Zoom sessions, members of the learning community continue to reflect on every step of the virtual learning journey. Please follow along as we share some reflections from our learners, teachers and parents, about their experienc es.

Learners’ Reflections

 “Zoom meetings are nice. I see all my friends and the teacher too. We learn a lot and I understand it too. The Zoom meetings have helped me to know more about the computer, migration and exploration. I am also learning to work with time, so I don’t play my football games when it’s Zoom meeting time. I am only unhappy when the internet is not working. It goes off and on. I have to use my Mummy’s hotspot.”  Nana Kwame Wiafe-Akenten, Grade 3

“l love the class on Zoom. It is helping me to learn safely at home. I have met new friends from the Zoom meetings. I like the Homeroom meeting and when we are doing group work on Zoom.  I have learnt a lot about area, perimeter, exploration, migration, music, how to sign words and many things.

I do not like it when there is a lot of talking in the background. I want something to be done about it. I also do not like the way the internet goes off sometimes.” Kwabena Osei-Amoako, Grade 3

“Zoom lessons have been great but I wish it could be more competitive. For example, it is not fun when you are the only one trying your best but when everyone gives it their all it makes it fun and we can also, do handmade projects and the students would like to also get reading assignments.”  Kwaku Ayisi, Grade 5

“Using Zoom has made me learn so many things on the computer. At first, when we were told we won’t go to school, I thought we wouldn’t be able to study anymore till Zoom came in and we could learn. Sometimes it can also be stressful when you want to connect and you have internet problems, my audio does not work and other problems, but Zoom has been not too good nor too bad.” Oforiwaa Okuampah, Grade 6

“I like Zoom lessons but it is just that every time I join a Zoom lesson, I don’t feel comfortable in it because of the teacher’s internet connection. But if I try to pay attention, other people in the Zoom don’t mute themselves making it difficult for me to pay attention. To make the zoom lessons interesting, let’s just try our best to mute ourselves and wait for whoever is talking to finish their speech before we ask a question. We should reply the teacher when the teacher asks questions. Thank you.” Adrien Mate, Grade 5

“The zoom lessons are nice” David Darko, Kinder 3

 “The first time I heard zoom, I didn’t know what it was and, now I know what it is. Zoom has helped me know how to do my own future meetings. I thought we couldn’t learn, but now that we have zoom we can all learn. My problem is, when we share our screen or when a teacher shares their video it doesn’t play smoothly.”Manuel Borlabie, Grade 6

“Online school is okay and it is fun. I like that it is shorter than normal and we can learn more things. Online school is also bad because people’s internet always glitch and we keep on leaving the meeting.” Akua Osei, Grade 6

“I am happy to be in TIS school” Ellis Darko, Kinder 1

“I am happy to see my friends everyday.” Paa Kow Oppan, Kinder 2

Teachers’ Reflections

“Starting virtual learning with our youngest learners who are also new to the IB PYP was both exciting and challenging. Our first hurdle was to understand and develop Essential Agreements for Zoom sessions and learning in general. Learners have shown understanding of the Essential Agreements by cooperating during sessions. It’s a joy to see the 3 and 4-year olds putting up their hands and waiting to be called to speak. With constant communication, parents have assisted their children to engage in asynchronous learning activities and sent evidence of learning through photos and videos.” Ms Angela, Kinder 1 Homeroom Teacher

“Children are engaging more and expressing their thoughts and feelings on Zoom. I am able to connect with learners as if they were in my class”. Ms Agartha, Kinder 3 Homeroom Teacher

“Ideally, we would all have loved to be present with the learners. However, Zoom is not a bad option for synchronous lessons. With its awesome screen sharing feature amongst others, it has been able to mimic the classroom setting in the virtual world.  However, the almost inevitable, occasional latency issues, as a result of connectivity issues, serve as distractions. Certain activities would definitely be great in person. We definitely miss fun times with the students.” Nana Yaw Ankama Asamoah, Music Teacher

“I have had both good and bad experiences with virtual learning. Some positive experiences include adapting to the virtual environment and learning to use interactive online tools to engage the students. I have discovered that there are numerous educational games online on a wide range of topics that students can use to support their learning. I have become efficient with the use of ManageBac to make planning easy and also to make it easy for students/ parents to get all necessary resources to support their learning. Learners have become very interested in their learning and they are submitting tasks on time. They always look forward to our Zoom sessions. On the negative side parent’s express challenges with the use of Managebac, but thankfully they are gaining more experience with increased use”. Ms. Perfecta, Grade 1 Homeroom Teacher

“Zoom lessons for this semester have improved. Students come to class on time and are ready to learn. There is authentic inquiry and great ideas from the students. The internet instability is a challenge since it makes some students’ participation unstable in class.” Priscilla Annan Grade 3 Homeroom Teacher.

Parents’ reflections

“Both synchronous and asynchronous lessons were well organized. My challenge is the number of synchronous for a week. Can we have them for 3 days out of the 5 days? The project tasks make them inquire. I love them.” Mr.Samuel Dzongor

“The Zoom sessions have brought students back to the class and they are happy to reconnect with each other.” Mr.Alex Tay

“Ellie and Elsa have shown a lot of zeal, confidence and their willingness towards learning lately, and their confidence has improved tremendously. I am happy with the approach to online learning and the teachers are very forthcoming and interactive. You don’t get this in other schools. I am grateful for the good work. My kids are a lot busier these days and they enjoy it too.” Mrs Racheal Sevor

“The Zoom meetings are properly managed and interactive” Mrs Darko

 Kudos!! to all our teachers, learners and parents for all the hard work and efforts you are investing into our virtual sessions to make it an awesome experience! We urge you all to keep reflecting as we aspire to reach greater heights in our virtual sessions.