Online Learning at ELIS Murcia
Our approach to teaching & learning keeps us all connected & progressing
One of our strengths lies in being part of the Cognita family. In terms of the educational and technological expertise available to us all, this has enabled us to make online teaching and learning a reality (in case of lockdown only).
At ELIS Murcia we were able to adapt rapidly and successfully to a new situation, providing students and teachers with the necessary tools and resources to ensure rich online learning experiences and to help them stay connected.
This new era of learning is an excellent opportunity to boost the digital skills of students and teachers and further develop the use of technology across the school; an expertise which continues to be used to great advantage when we reopened our premises again.
What online learning looks like at ELIS Murcia
Curriculum
Our Online Teaching and Learning Programme is designed around the school’s existing curriculum, with all subjects being taught as when in school.
Timetable
The student’s day is organised following the current academic timetable with similar start and end times and allowing for the same break periods.
Tailored
We have adapted the subject contents and group sizes to deliver them effectively via the online platforms, with our programme blending a mix of online and offline content and experiences.
Relations
Our online provision ensures daily live interactions between the students and teachers across all year groups.
Feedback
Teacher feedback and assessment is provided to ensure students understand how well they are doing and what they need to do to improve.
Our approach to online education in case of lockdown
Just like in class, we combine different types of activities to enrich the way in which the curriculum is taught, both in a synchronous format (the pupil and teacher participate at the same time) and in an asynchronous format (the pupils learn without the teacher).
Live Learning
To maintain human contact and interactions in online learning, synchronous sessions are carried out so that our pupils can connect with both their classmates and the teachers. This is what we call Synchronous Learning.
Pupils of all ages use Microsoft Teams. Each class and each year have their own team in Teams, and they regularly hold videoconferences to receive live classes or even enjoy group assemblies.
Independent Learning
Either through explanatory videos from the teachers or previously designed activities, asynchronous learning allows the pupils to advance at their own rate through the curricular content.
At ELIS Murcia we use different platforms depending on the necessities of each year. Tapestry is the learning diary used in Early Years and SeeSaw is used in Primary.
Also, both Secondary and the upper years of Primary learn through Century Tech: Artificial Intelligence-enabled online learning resource.
Teaching staff: the most valuable asset in our school
Students are provided with an iPad or laptop through our 1-2-1 Device Programme. All teachers can work remotely if necessary and as such can continue with the essential aspects of their job: setting clear, shared learning targets, delivering educational content, facilitating conceptual understanding, offering learning support to the pupils and, of course, monitoring progress and giving effective feedback.
Peer-to-peer learning and collaboration among teachers to share training and best practices is key during this type of online learning and it’s an important element for the Continuous Professional Development of our teaching staff at ELIS Murcia. As part of a large educational international group, our teachers have had the opportunity to continue their training thanks to a series of weekly webinars delivered by expert colleagues of Cognita schools in Spain.
The experience from the students' perspective
Students at the heart
At Cognita schools, students’ wellbeing is at the heart of everything we do.
Mental and physical wellbeing is key during this period. At ELIS Murcia, our student support team is available for the whole school community offering all the necessary resources and assistance that may be needed.
