“With the Covid-19 pandemic outbreak prompting the mass closure of educational institutions, we realised that transition to online learning was imperative. So we at Griffins International School set out on a war footing to reach out to our students through online digital platforms. These difficult times have tested our fortitude and I am proud of the excellent teamwork that made this transition possible. However, the pandemic has also made us realise that nature has its own way of catalysing change. No matter how much we achieve, nature does have the last word. So we must accept our vulnerability with humility. It is time to start living in harmony with the universe.”

– Sarbari Brahma, principal of the CBSE affiliated Griffins International School, Kharagpur, West Bengal.

In the wake of the novel coronavirus pandemic outbreak and subsequent national lockdown, Griffins International School (GIS) was among the first few schools in Kharagpur to design an innovative online teaching-learning solution. The school conducted its first live virtual class for class X students on March 26 and soon scaled up its virtual learning solution for all students including the primary wing.

Choosing the right learning platform: After a few rounds of trial and error with other popular online platforms, the GIS management and staff shortlisted Google Meet for conducting live online classes. Later, students and teachers started using Google Classroom to submit/upload assignments. Primary students learnt through simple, engaging video lessons curated by the teachers.  

Faculty training: With the ongoing class X CBSE board exams being postponed, initially, a small batch of Griffins International School teachers were trained to conduct live virtual classes for class X students.

Meanwhile, teachers of other classes were trained and assisted by the school coordinators and HODs, and learning resources and assignments were prepared. Griffins International School teachers have also been attending relevant webinars to hone their skills and keep themselves abreast of the latest developments and trends in online teaching-learning.

Physical and Extracurricular education: To keep the young minds physically and mentally active during the lockdown, videos on physical exercises were prepared and shared by the teachers. Extra-curricular activities didn’t stop either. Under the guidance of co-curricular teachers, the students celebrated Rabindra Jayanti and Mother’s Day virtually.

“Despite a host of challenges in moving our teaching-learning processes online, it has been an excellent learning exercise and we are overwhelmed with the positive feedback we have received from our students and parents. Our teachers, too, are glad to see the students well engaged in learning at home. We have also been taking care to ensure sufficient breaks between virtual classes so students get enough time to rest and don’t strain their eyes. Moreover, we have been in constant touch with the parents to address their issues and implement their feedback wherever possible,” says Sarbari Brahma.