Distance learning - online teaching

Schools are currently confronted with the question of how they offer their language and integration lessons remotely. After all, students benefit from having the lessons continue as quickly as possible, even if this is online.

But distance learning is a challenge, especially with a few thousand students spread all over the Netherlands. We must also adhere to the guidelines of various municipalities, the requirements from the government (for example, with integration) and with the wishes of various employers.

However, distance learning is the solution to provide education now that our teaching locations are closed. But organizing teaching remotely takes time. We have taken the time to determine which programs are available to work remotely and to prepare all the preconditions for digital working, such as laptops and setting up programs.

We also needed time to implement online education and give teachers time and space to prepare for it. We always strive for high quality and we want to continue to do so with online teaching.

Distance learning also raises many questions for clients: How do you know if someone is participating? How does this go 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 a moment and reflecting on the questions that arise, we have developed the best possible method for the lessons to continue from today. All groups can now take online classes.

Online environment

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

For practical assignments, we already use an online tool in our courses in which students can upload their assignments. We will continue these practical assignments as much as possible, with due observance of the RIVM guidelines.

We continue the theoretical lessons online with the program ZOOM in which students are taught by their own teacher in a virtual classroom. ZOOM works on a smartphone, laptop and tablet and is easy to use. Big advantage: the student does not need an account or e-mail address. Zoom has a whiteboard function, you can share your screen and let students work together in groups.

In order to provide structure to lecturers and students, we adhere to regular teaching times as much as possible. The online lessons can also be recorded and reviewed. With this we offer a solution to students with children who want to follow the lesson at a different time.

intakes

We have also digitized the intakes for new students. Candidates can take the reading and writing tests online at home. By means of a telephone intake interview and the results of the online tests, we can give the candidates appropriate advice.

We naturally hope that classroom education can be resumed in a few weeks' time. We are confident that the decisions made will enable our students to continue working on improving their Dutch in the coming period. Do you have any questions about this message? Take contact us. For more information about the corona virus, go to www.rivm.nl.