The Benefits of Remote Learning

How wonderful to see eight classes of children back at school this week! And we have next week to look forward to as Years 3, 4 and 5 students return to face-to-face learning. While it’s easy to list the challenges of remote learning, I thought it might be good exercise to reflect on some of the positives of the last ten weeks of learning at home.

We have students who have returned to school with an abundance of ‘Dad’ jokes, new magic tricks and toothy gaps to share! Many of the children managed to adhere to a solid home learning routine and have returned smoothly to the classroom. We have students who can teach adults a thing-or-two about Teams meeting technology (Where is the ‘Present Screen’ button?), and who understand virtual meeting etiquette. Yes – I’m looking at you, Kindergarten, and I’m amazed at your ability to greet your classmates and then mute yourself politely! And all students from Kindergarten to Year 6 had the opportunity to hear a variety of teachers Read Aloud every day – something not possible in a normal day at school. Many of the students in Years 4- 6 can brag that they’ve read at least three novels and a range of short stories since late August, know some new literary terms, have increased their vocabulary, and can argue a preference for historical fiction or gothic fantasy.

A recent Australian study on the key benefits of remote learning as expressed by parents suggested that parents and carers felt that they had more family time together and that there was greater flexibility in their child’s schedule – a form of ‘breathing out’ and balancing work and play. The data from the study also showed that parents felt they had a better understanding of their child’s learning style, of their learning needs, and of the curriculum. Many parents also noticed an increase in their child’s independence and confidence. Our vision for remote learning during this pandemic was that it would be equitable, balanced, and sustainable, to serve the needs of our community, and we hope you have some other positives to add to this list.

Our teachers would say that the biggest positive of remote learning is our community of parents who have been so very supportive. Here is just a sample of the messages we received and for which we are grateful:

• Thank you very much for the compassionate follow up and this just reassures us that you and all the staff are hands down the best school/teachers in the ACT - I can’t recommend your school enough.
• Thank you so much for all that you and the entire staff have been doing to make the kids feel great about learning from home. I can’t even begin to imagine the behind the scenes work that each of you are doing in order to keep St Matthew’s running in our homes.
• We really appreciate your efforts (and that of the wider school community) in keeping the momentum going in a remote learning environment - it is no easy task!!!
• Thank you all for all the hard work and support for all the students and families.
• Thank you to you all for all the extra work that has been going on behind the scenes to prepare for the children returning. It must take quite a lot of logistics and planning to work out how it will all operate. 

Congratulations, parents and carers, older brothers and sisters, aunties, uncles and grandparents! You have done a wonderful job in most trying circumstances. However, I’m sure I speak for everyone when I say an enthusiastic farewell to remote learning and a warm welcome to students back on campus!