Current directions on social distancing and closure of schools by the state prompted the ISW Language and Cultural School to come up with alternatives to continue teaching the 120 plus children that attend its weekend school for classes in five languages – Hindi, Marathi, Gujarati, Tamil and Telugu. Anticipating a potentially long period of school closures due to Covid-19 and our new building construction, we launched our 'distance learning' program.  

With the help of parent volunteers, who provided the technical support, we organized each class into 15 class-based WhatsApp groups for parent teacher communications and Zoom, WhatsApp Google Hangout, and Webex for online sessions. Our amazing teachers held individual online sessions at different times over the weekend and the response has been extremely positive. 

The students have been very happy to see their teachers online and even more excited to see each other. We are glad to see the classes embrace this new method of interaction and that our teachers are inspired to move forward with this method of learning for the rest of the term. 

Inspired with this saying, we are happy to inform that this transition went smooth and we look forward to more weekend sessions. 

 

At this difficult time, we need to stand as one.  Just follow social distancing, washing hands, be informed, do not panic and take special care of our elderly.

 ---Ruchi Chauhan and Shiamin Melville, Co-Directors, ISW Language and Cultural School

Some comments from parents and students

“I fully appreciate all the efforts all ISW volunteers are putting in the school and adapting so fast with this virtual classroom. I deeply appreciate parents for sticking with Hindi education for years. Thank you for keeping the learning going. Thank you for your efforts.”

“We are seeing a good difference in comprehending Hindi. Thank you so much for encouraging them to work on oral skills as well.”

“It was a really great session. Kudos to all the kids”

“This is great! Thanks a lot Ruchi for all the extra preparation that shows :) Thanks for this initiative....my son loved it.”

“Thank you for doing this. In times like this it is so important for kids to maintain a routine and we are grateful to you for helping with that.”

“Rudra really enjoyed seeing everyone and learning remotely. It was a new experience for him and indeed a good one.”

“Excellent idea!! I feel the online is working well, and the kids are enjoying a new way of learning. Thank you to our wonderful teachers.”

“The online class are going great. My son loves the class and is very happy to see everyone online. Madhavi and Babu Teacher Ji /Garu is doing a great job with a lot of patience. We really appreciate their efforts. The kids are really having a challenge staying at home and are very very happy to do homework. Now that they are saturated with TV and video games. Thanks again for all your efforts.”

“For me as well, things are working great as they are. I like the flexibility we have to continue having our classes while feeling safe at home. I appreciate all your work as ISW team to make this transition possible.”