Improvements to ES Virtual School

Thank you for all of your support over the past couple of weeks, as we launched Virtual School. We have been making adjustments along the way to continue to improve.  We believe that high-quality learning experiences are possible in a digital environment and we have made a few changes based on feedback from students, teachers, and families.  We have also been researching best Virtual School practices as well as learning about new digital tools. Our goal of providing high-quality instruction and meaningful learning activities (both online and offline) aligned with the curriculum has not changed. Some of the processes in which we do that have. You can see these in our updated Community Virtual School Handbook.  We would like to highlight a few of these changes below:

• More opportunities for synchronous learning (students learning in real-time with an instructor) to complement our asynchronous learning experiences. Synchronous learning will be chosen purposefully and intentionally based on learning outcomes. 

• Video instruction will occur daily.  This may include a recorded lesson, screencast with voice/face, and/or a live video conference.

• Opportunities will be offered for students to connect with their teacher and each other throughout the week on Zoom.  This may include a class Morning Meeting, Q & A session, small group instruction, or a whole class mini-lesson.  In younger grades, the Zoom call may involve parents.

• Special subject areas (i.e. P.E., Art, Music, and others) will post on Wednesdays only, while homeroom instruction will occur M, T, Th, F. This will help us to support our mission point of being Healthy, Active and Balanced while supporting families to manage the various teachers/activities in a more organized format.  

We thank you for all of your notes of support and encouragement, especially to the teachers. Your kind words have been appreciated as we navigate this huge change in how we “school” during these stressful times. We also know that you are navigating all of this on a personal level as well.  We value your partnership, and are grateful for our ISB community and the strength and support it gives to everyone.

 -Kelly Armitage, ES Principal

-Sarah Fleming, ES Vice Principal

-Jeff Scott, ES Vice Principal

What is Zoom?

We have chosen Zoom as our platform PK-12 for “live” video conferencing.  It is a tool that allows people to interact in real-time, and it is available on computers, iPads and other devices.  We believe that Zoom will enhance and complement Seesaw, which is our “core” Virtual School platform. Students have reported that they miss the connection with their teacher and classmates and we believe that Zoom will allow teachers to more effectively build community and connection, which we know is important, now more than ever.  

How will teachers use Zoom?

Teachers use Zoom for synchronous learning.  It is a tool that teachers can use to connect and build community, answer student questions, offer live direct instruction and/or focused mini-lessons, and offer students social-emotional support.  

In younger grades, you can expect for your child to interact with their teacher once a week on Zoom; in upper grades, you can expect your students to interact with their teacher and classmates more often.

Please note that it is our new revised school policy that Zoom sessions with teachers will be recorded.  These recordings are archived for Safeguarding Purposes and will be kept behind a user log-in.  

How do I get tech support with Zoom?

First, watch this simple tutorial on how to join a Zoom call.  We also recommend this helpful FAQ from the people at Zoom.  If you are still having technical issues, please write to help@isb.ac.th and we will do our best to support you.