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Adopting an Online Learning Platform for Teaching

Lily Nevo ‘20
 
“I’m enjoying Shipley Learns Online, especially waking up late and only having a few classes a day. I’ve found my energy has spiked compared to a normal 7 hour day at school. Although communication has been more difficult, my teachers have been doing a good job of asking for feedback and making sure their classes aren’t too much of a strain on their students,” says Hannah Green ’21.

Green refers to the new schedule for online learning, which consists of two major classes each morning and time for minors, club meetings, and advisory in the afternoon. Though students are expected to complete independent work for the classes that are not meeting, the extra free-time gives students the opportunity to focus on their physical and mental well-being, and especially prevents students from having to sit in front of a screen all day. The schedule is just one example of how the administration has tried to make this transition as seamless as possible.

“The administration has been working around the clock. I think it’s important to remember that a little over a month ago the idea of having school online was barely a possibility. What they’ve been able to accomplish in such a short amount of time is incredible,” says All-School President Declan Buckley ’20.

Beyond academics, the administration has assured students that major social events of the spring will be rescheduled. “Events like prom, class night, baccalaureate, decision day, and graduation are essential to completing senior year and we are working hard to make sure the class of 2020 can still have these special days to look back on,” says Lexi Wojtelwicz, Senior Class President. 

For seniors, this time is particularly challenging. Not only are they missing out on a fun Senior Spring, but they are also deprived of an opportunity to say goodbye to a community that, as many are now nostalgically realizing, has shaped them immensely. “I would trade anything to simply hang out in the lounge or walk through the halls of Shipley again. It is a great place filled with amazing people that I truly will never forget” says Wojtelwicz. 

On top of that, many seniors feel guilty for being disappointed because they understand that they are lucky to be safe and healthy, yet this does not undermine the emotional strain caused by such a sudden change.

Despite this, “Each senior is doing their part to remain engaged in our school community and make online school feel as normal as possible” says Wojtelwicz. “I’ve been really impressed with how understanding the student body has been,” adds Buckley.

Due to the highly contagious nature of this virus and the shortage of medical supplies to treat it, it is unpredictable when society will return to “normal”, or even what this new normal will look like. Therefore it is important that students continue to be open-minded and see the silver-linings in this ever-changing situation.
Buckley encourages students “To try and focus on things they can control... Each day is still another chance to be great and leave your mark on the world.”
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From the Beacon

The Shipley School is a private, coeducational day school for pre-kindergarten through 12th grade students, located in Bryn Mawr, PA. Through our commitment to educational excellence, we develop within each student a love of learning and a desire for compassionate participation in the world.