It has been almost three months since all primary, secondary, post-secondary and tertiary institutions have had to close their doors to their educators and students and adapt to online schooling to contain the spread of Coronavirus. However, “nothing can replicate the environment within a school or classroom as no form of online teaching can fully replace this.”
This unprecedented situation has given rise to several mixed feelings and emotions amongst teachers, students but also parents as they have had to quickly adapt to a life which is being described as ‘the new normal.’
The present school closures and online-schooling situation has brought about both positive and negative effects. Speaking to the Director General for Curriculum, Lifelong Learning and Employability Stephen Cachia about the experience and methods of online learning and teaching within government institutions, he said that “it is very clear by now that nothing can replicate the experience of a vibrant, dynamic and creative school life.”
However, “this new reality is pushing educators and students to explore further the strong pedagogical possibilities digital tools can offer, as they are not just used to replicate what happens in the classroom but are used to expand the creative and independent learning skills of students,” Cachia said.
Several parents have brought forward to this newsroom their concern about their children who are not being provided with enough e-learning. Despite this, Cachia explained that “the guidelines issued by the working group clearly state that all teachers in all schools are to continue with e-learning throughout the third term.” He stated that “it is therefore absolutely not the case that any state primary school, specifically, is not offering e-learning to students.”
He explained that following the closure of schools on 13 March the Ministry for Education and Employment set up a working group made up of representatives of State, Church, independent schools, as well as the MUT (Malta Union of Teachers). Cachia said that "the working group has issued clear guidelines about the manner in which online teaching should take place and will continue working to update these guidelines even further."
“As soon as schools closed, teachers immediately took the initiative and shifted their teaching online. Each and every school is implementing these guidelines according to the reality of each individual school, taking in consideration the technological tools available,” Cachia said.
Before the COVID-19 period technological devices and resources such as the One Tablet per Child co-financed EU project, were “provided to all Year 4, 5 and 6 primary students in the three sectors which has proven to be an invaluable tool to facilitate communication and contact between teachers and their students.” During COVID-19, the use of tablets “has doubled following school closures.” IT resources such as the My School platform and Microsoft Teams have also proven to be invaluable tools to develop and strengthen online teaching.”
In addition, on 27 April a new user-friendly website was launched – teleskola.mt - which consists of over 1,200 lesson activities for all year groups and subjects. Educational resources are also available at www.curriculum.gov.mt, whilst support in the use of digital technology for online teaching is available at http://digitalliteracy.skola.edu.mt, as well as a dedicated helpline and regular training webinars.
Cachia remarked that “schools are using a variety of methods to teach their students including live online lessons, recorded lessons or online communication of educational material, including the provision of timely feedback. In addition, topics related to the third term are being covered as best as possible, according to the reality of their individual classes.”
Asked whether they have received any feedback about this ‘new normal’ from parents or students, Cachia highlighted that “teachers are adapting their work to this new reality whilst trying to offer the best learning experience to their students.” From the feedback they received “it is clear that the vast majority of teachers have risen to the challenge and are carrying out excellent work in this regard. Others may have found this dramatic shift more challenging. However, where such situations arise we are working with the schools to address such issues and help teachers concerned to engage with online teaching better.”
Apart from the initiative of setting up the Working Group, the Ministry of Education and Employment made sure to seize other initiatives covering all cycles from childcare centres up to MCAST and the University of Malta. In addition, “other supporting schemes were announced including free internet access and the leasing of computers, as well as the setting up of a helpline – 25981000 - which provides support in all related areas including the curriculum, examinations at all levels, and psycho-social support for students and their parents/guardians.
With regard to the decisions related to the remaining scholastic year, academic year and what is going to happen in the following year, a clear and detailed plan was issued by the Ministry of how this will take place, and is available at https://newsbreak.edu.mt/2020/04/03/publication-of-the-complete-plan-questions-and-answers/.
Having said all this with regards to the students’ education, “despite the good work being done, measures need to be taken next year to mitigate the impact the school closures have had on curricular provision,” Cachia said. Discussions and preparatory work on this issue are currently being undertaken by the Working Group and by curricular experts for each subject and level.