Parallel Remote Learning
History
Ridgefield Academy began integrating technology into its educational program in 2011 with the creation of the Technology Bridge, a facility designed to enhance learning by infusing the current curriculum with new and innovative technology. Landmark Preschool was one of the first preschools in the area to have interactive whiteboards in every classroom, having installed one in each preschool classroom during the 2009-2010 school year.
In 2015, the school launched The Center for Innovative Teaching and Learning to serve as a hub for mapping and managing a student-centric teaching model that guides what we teach - through curriculum development, how we teach – through professional development, and how to support students - by bringing learning specialists into classrooms in support of teachers and students. Over time, technology has been incorporated into all the Center’s efforts to offer a curriculum that is dynamic, thought provoking, appropriately challenging, and accessible to all students.
A 1:1 device initiative in 2018 ensured that technology was infused throughout the academic program for students in grades 4-8, giving them the chance to engage in creative work both in school and at home. At the start of the 2019-2020 school year, the 1:1 program extended down a grade to provide Chromebooks to Grade 3.
In March 2020, COVID-19 required that the school move to “crisis remote learning.” Teachers and school administrators learned on the fly and offered their curriculum remotely as best they could for the entire Preschool through Grade 8 population to ensure continuity of program and a successful close to the year.
A 1:1 device initiative in 2018 ensured that technology was infused throughout the academic program for students in grades 4-8, giving them the chance to engage in creative work both in school and at home. At the start of the 2019-2020 school year, the 1:1 program extended down a grade to provide Chromebooks to Grade 3.
In March 2020, COVID-19 required that the school move to “crisis remote learning.” Teachers and school administrators learned on the fly and offered their curriculum remotely as best they could for the entire Preschool through Grade 8 population to ensure continuity of program and a successful close to the year.
Opportunity
The school spent the summer of 2020 planning for an enhanced Parallel Remote Learning experience. Distinct from a health-related need to teach all students remotely, this program was specifically designed to join remote students with their peers who learned in-person.
The school invested in technology that gave all teachers the ability to project a live feed of the classroom to students who were learning remotely and have remote learners join and interact with the in-person class via a 55-inch monitor. The Center for Innovative Teaching and Learning coordinated efforts for faculty to master the new technology and create lessons for this new style of teaching.
During the 2020-2021 school year, every student was an active contributor and full participant in class activities. Remote learners asked questions, joined in class discussions, made presentations, and engaged with their teacher and classmates in much the same manner as if the they were physically present.
The creation of a school-wide Parallel Remote Learning program allows the school to advance a vision for the future of education that flexibly meets the needs of students and their families. While we can never predict why a student might need Parallel Remote Learning, our adoption of this platform helps students with medical risks learn from home, families who need to relocate from the Ridgefield area for part of the year remain connected to the classroom and community, and athletes who need to travel to competitive athletic events be present in classes leading up to significant assessments. For 2021-2022 and beyond, Parallel Remote Learning will continue to make these situations possible and positions the school to help families navigate both predictable and unpredictable situations. RA/LP also continues to provide professional development so that teachers grow in their abilities to jointly teach in-person and on-screen students.
Philosophy
The 2020-2021 academic year was an unprecedented one with technology at the helm, serving as a critical tool for keeping students and teachers connected with one another. PRL is an engaging education program that provides students with opportunities to connect with teachers and classmates if they need to remain at home for any period of time.
The school has learned that students benefit from remote experiences which replicate an in- person school day as closely as possible. Labs and collaborative group projects should be conducted in live time, students should engage in group work and breakout discussions that mix in-person and remote students. Teachers should teach both on-campus and remote students at the same time, helping ensure that each student participates in the same close- knit community and are practicing good digital citizenship.
Ridgefield Academy remains committed to furthering the integration of technology as both a means and topic for learning. This highly successful first iteration of Parallel Remote Learning has proven invaluable to families, meeting their needs when in-person learning was not possible for their child. Through ongoing integration with the educational program at Ridgefield Academy/Landmark Preschool, Parallel Remote Learning continues to develop and enhanced in a manner that strengthens the learning experience, considers the social and emotional needs of students, and sustains community connection and interactions.
