Remote learning - online teaching

Schools are currently faced with the question of how to offer their language and civic integration classes remotely. Students benefit from having classes continue as quickly as possible, even if this is online.

But remote learning is a challenge, especially with a few thousand students spread across the Netherlands. We also have to adhere to the guidelines of various municipalities, government requirements (for example, regarding civic integration), and the wishes of various employers.

However, remote learning is the ideal solution for providing education now that our teaching locations are closed. But organizing remote teaching takes time. We needed time to determine which programs are available for remote work and to arrange all the necessary conditions for digital working, such as laptops and setting up programs.

We also needed time to implement online education and to give teachers the time and space to prepare for this. We always strive for high quality, and we want to continue doing so with online teaching as well.

Remote learning also raises many questions for clients: How do you know if someone is participating? How does this work with practical assignments? How do you deal with students who do not have a laptop? Does every student have a good internet connection? How do you deal with students who have children at home?

By taking the time to consider the relevant questions, we have developed the best possible method to allow classes to continue as of today. All groups can now attend online lessons.

Online environment

Learning at TopTaal is a mix of theory and practice. We believe that is the most effective teaching method: learning by doing.

For practical assignments, we already use an online tool in our courses where students can upload their assignments. We are continuing these practical assignments as much as possible, while observing the RIVM guidelines.

We are continuing the theoretical lessons online with the program ZOOM, in which students receive lessons from their own teacher in a virtual classroom. ZOOM works on a smartphone, laptop, and tablet and is simple to use. A major advantage: the student does not need an account or email address. Zoom has a whiteboard function, you can share your screen, and have students work together in groups.

To provide structure for both teachers and students, we are sticking to the regular lesson times as much as possible. In addition, the online lessons can be recorded and watched back. This offers a solution for students with children who want to follow the lesson at a different time.

Intakes

To allow the intakes for new students to continue, we have now digitized these as well. Candidates can take the reading and writing tests online at home. Through a telephone intake interview and the results of the online tests, we can provide candidates with appropriate advice.

We naturally hope that classroom-based education can be resumed in a few weeks. We are confident that, thanks to the decisions made, our students can continue working on improving their Dutch in the coming period. Do you have any questions following this message? Please contact us. For more information about the coronavirus, go to www.rivm.nl.

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