Since schools were closed in March 2020, many parents have been wondering how to keep their children engaged, especially now that the closure is open ended as Education CS George Magoha admitted being unsure about opening institutions in January 2021.
Learning has been made virtual and one of the schools which have proved to be the best in online learning has been Diamond Junior School in South B, Nairobi.
The institution has been offering virtual learning since May 2020 and the program is open to students from other institutions as well.
“We appreciate the difficulty that parents around the world are facing. At DJS, we have kept the lines of communication open, so that families can get the support they need to engage their children meaningfully and support learning,” school administrator Anne Yungo explained.
The program includes both online and offline learning using various formats, including practical assignments, activities, and projects.
By offering varied forms of learning, the school addresses the concern of children’s short attention spans, limiting on-screen time, and the need to offer diverse and wholesome learning.
Teachers take learners through the day’s work on Google Classrooms every morning, where participating pupils have dedicated email addresses from the school to prevent unauthorised access and potential security breaches.
The students learn through live and pre-recorded sessions, online and offline activities, life skills and stretch-ups. They also get time to connect with their friends and teachers at virtual assemblies.
“We are grateful that the school provided the training and devices we need, so with an internet connection, I can work from home and keep an eye on my children too,” Jackie Okatch a teacher explained.
“My children had started forgetting their schoolwork, and this program keeps them busy and helps them to learn. Even though I am a teacher, it was tough teaching them because they would say, ‘But mummy, you are not our teacher!’ Thanks to the program, I can just focus on being their parent at home,” she added.
The module has also made learning fun for the children who enjoy the best of education without the challenges of mundane teaching methods.
“I enjoy the classes because our learning has been enjoyable and fun too! We learn Math, PE, Creative Arts,
Languages and Music,” Jessy, a student shared.
The school director Janet Mulei explained that teachers have become proficient in using technology and have aquired skills that will help students even after schools are reopened.
Interested parents are encouraged to enroll their students in the program by clicking through this link or contacting the school through on phone via 0715 591 879.