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Features

HOW INTERNATIONAL in training to upskill their staff

to competently and creatively
SCHOOLS HAVE RESPONDED deliver distance learning.

TO THE IMPACT OF COVID-19 The extended experience of
online learning has resulted in
skilled educators seeing the
elements of online learning that
have had a particularly positive
impact on students. As a result
of this, some international
schools are planning to
introduce an ongoing blended
learning programme, combining
traditional classroom practice
with online interaction and
engagement.
Janelle Torres, Well-Being Another
South East Important Consideration
Asia Research Online Learning Now a Well-being provision is increasingly being recognised
Significant Selection Factor
by many international schools, and it has been
Consultant, from The delivery of remote learning was a demand on particularly important during COVID-19. As a result,
ISC Research, all schools worldwide as a result of the pandemic the well-being support provided by a school is
also now considered a very important factor for
provides insights and many parents were extensively involved in many parents. Some schools have been delivering
supporting their children through this experience.
into new factors With the acknowledgment of likely campus outstanding support. A school in Malaysia developed
a virtual newsroom during campus closures for
influencing the closures or isolation periods into the future, an its students and staff. The newsroom shared
increasing number of parents are now exploring
school selection the preparedness of their child’s school or potential community-generated content that included positive
decisions of school to deliver this effectively. In a recent survey learning stories, creative performances, imaginative
challenges, special virtual and in-person stories from
of international school admissions staff by ISC
parents. Schools Research, 84% said their school’s online learning within the school community, and details of the
also report provision is now either important or very important to school’s outreach initiatives.
current and prospective parents.
that increasing Health and Safety
or many parents, the response by schools to the challenges
of COVID-19 is now influencing their education choice. Many attention is In the early days of COVID-19 campus closures, International school admission managers say that
Finternational schools have demonstrated a level of agility and now being the delivery of distance learning was challenging health and safety procedures, including sanitisation
provision throughout this very challenging time that has been very for most schools as a result of the sudden and and social distancing policies, are increasingly being
reassuring to parents and will influence parental decisions regarding paid to well- unexpected shift. Some schools had good online questioned by parents. Admissions staff say this
school choice for some time to come. Schools that have not responded being, health infrastructure already in place and were able to is currently one of the most important factors for
sufficiently, may suffer as a result. adjust quickly. Others took longer. Many international parents as campuses are reopened, and is likely to
and safety schools have said their experience of distance remain of significance for some time to come.
Extended campus closures, as a result of COVID-19, have given parents issues and to learning during COVID-19 has impacted their future
insights into their child’s education like never before. As a result, in plans regarding the use of learning technologies. International schools will have protocols in place
addition to their existing educational requirements, international communication Most schools now know the resources that have regarding sanitisation, the use of personal protective
school admissions staff are reporting new factors influencing the with parents. been effective for helping children and young people equipment, health checks, isolation, transportation
school selection decisions of parents. Over recent months, the ISC to engage in and present their learning, and the of students, etc. and these are accessible to parents
Research team have gathered extensive feedback from a wide range of infrastructure and device improvements they require. who wish to be reassured of the procedures in place.
international schools about this. Many international schools say they are investing

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