THE availability and accessibility of online learning has never been more important than in these times, when the situation does not permit schools and other educational institutions to open and operate as usual.
The movement control order (MCO) and subsequent conditional movement control order (CMCO) have made long-term online access to lessons a necessity for schoolchildren to keep progressing in their learning, as they should. This is particularly crucial, as there is yet no date for the reopening of schools.
Both government and international schools face the challenge of continuing to motivate children and delivering the curriculum through a virtual learning experience – something many schools have never tried or tested before this MCO period.
Nexus Year 4 learners make social distancing hats during lessons.
Innovating learning for more than 10 years
Accredited as one of the first Apple Distinguished Schools in Malaysia, Nexus International School has pioneered innovative online learning approaches throughout its establishment of more than 10 years in Malaysia.
The move towards delivering a fully online curriculum was undoubtedly challenging even for an international school of its stature, but the Nexus community has worked together, and regular communication between learners, teachers, parents and leaders has enabled Nexus to continue to improve its online delivery each day.
Online lessons that come to life
Driven by the Nexus Way, its teachers continuously explore innovative teaching methods to keep learners engaged online.
For example, Nexus Year 4 learners recently went on a virtual school trip to the Great Barrier Reef of Australia as part of their International Primary Curriculum (IPC) topic, Explorers and Adventurers.
The picture below depicts how the teachers created a buzz around the virtual trip through a teaser video, which eventually led to a wonderful, exciting learning experience for all.
Nexus Year 4 virtual school trip to the Great Barrier Reef.
During their “visit” to the Great Barrier Reef, learners discovered how tourism could generate money for a community and weighed this with the potential impact tourism can have on the environment.
Technologically savvy, Nexus teachers used Google Earth so that learners could take a look at their environment and YouTube 360 videos so that they could swim with dolphins, sharks and turtles.
Fostering collaborative learning online
The social aspect of online learning is an important one to consider in a child’s daily schedule.
Nexus fosters small group sessions on Google Meet, which are facilitated by teachers and promote social interaction and collaboration among the primary learners. Collaborative research activities and regular, pastoral meetings with tutors are organised for secondary learners. Teachers also often use shared “live” whiteboards that require learners to collaborate on an idea together.
Opportunity to offer value added programmes to learners
The recent launch of Bridging Programmes for Nexus learners in Year 11 and Year 13 who are preparing to enter the IB Diploma Programme (IBDP) or higher education has been a timely preparation for learners during these important transitions.
Year 11 learners have been taking part in an introduction to the IBDP subjects that they are considering, while Year 13 students have been undergoing a wide variety of courses to prepare them for university life. These include modules such as presenting to an audience, digital skills, an introduction to Latin and mathematics for university level.
“While Covid-19 has presented significant challenges for us as a school, it has provided us with a unique opportunity to be able to offer a unique Bridging Programme to our learners. We hope that all learners gain a wide range of skills and experiences to help them transition to their new courses, ” said Nexus deputy head of secondary curriculum Jared Wilson.
Nexus IBDP 2019 top scorers.
Nexus has produced outstanding IBDP results with graduates who have entered top universities around the world.
Learn more about the school’s primary, secondary and boarding school during its upcoming open days this May.
Virtual Open Day (May 29 and 30)
Register to attend the Virtual Open Day on Friday May 29 (4pm-5pm) and Saturday May 30 (10am-11am). The school will be offering talks by its leadership team, a virtual tour and a chance to hear from its IBDP alumnus Khoo Xi Quan who scored a perfect 45 points in 2019 and is recognised as one of the top 1% of IBDP students in the world. Special fee waivers and online trial classes are available too.
Register for the Virtual Open Day at https://bit.ly/3dWnSyS
