Despite the closure of schools in Qatar, the International School of London (ISL) Qatar continues to offer virtual learning for its students.

It is crucial that students continue to focus on inquiry, collaboration and connection through online learning experiences that are not dependent on physical space as they move into the virtual learning space.

According to David Monk, Head of School at ISL Qatar, these are interesting times, and the closure of schools in Qatar certainly presents some challenges to us all.

However, I believe that through well-designed learning experiences we can overcome the difficulties of the students not coming to school and meeting face to face with the teachers.

He added that learning does not have to stop because students and teachers are not physically in the same building.

Indeed, what we have already seen at ISL Qatar is that the teachers have been involved in a huge amount of learning themselves as they consider what a ‘passion for learning’ looks like when it is happening entirely online.

There has been a tremendous amount of collaboration, across grade levels and subject areas, as the teachers have worked together sharing their knowledge of internet resources, software or websites that they may have already used successfully.

At ISL Qatar, the goal now is to harness the power of the internet to create meaningful learning experiences even though the school is closed to students. At the same time, teachers are being challenged to consider their role as a facilitator of learning rather than as a holder of knowledge.

 

Monk also shares these six tips for parents to help them have a successful ‘virtual school’ at home:

  • Create a quiet, dedicated workspace
  • Set routines and schedules
  • Stay organised with a written checklist
  • Ask your child questions about their work
  • Plan regular off-screen breaks
  • Encourage your child to reach out to friends

ISL Qatar has an outstanding reputation for high academic standards, prestigious International Baccalaureate (IB) programmes and an impressive record of admission to the best universities worldwide.

For more information about ISL Qatar, visit islqatar.org.