From left to right: Joshua Rios, Annielese Calvao, Noa Benerofe, Luke Berliner.
According to the United Nations, school closures in thirteen countries disrupted the education of 290 million students globally in order to contain the spread of COVID-19. This left millions of teachers, administrators, and students navigating online learning.
In a matter of days, Byram Hills and schools worldwide shifted from classroom learning to e-learning. This created numerous challenges. E-learning became the educational catchphrase of 2020.
As of March 16, by NYS Governor’s Executive Order, schools closed statewide and Byram Hills moved into emergency management mode. This was the first of four phases of the District’s implementation of e-learning.
Phase One included making sure every student in the Byram Hills community had a computer to participate in their schoolwork and that all families had internet access. On March 16 and 17, the District deployed over 600 Chromebooks and 40 wifi units to Byram Hills students.
Phase One also included the implementation of professional learning for faculty and staff. This was essential in teaching new technologies and integrating tools with on-line curriculum. The District assembled over 300 workshops to expose staff to new platforms and strategies for learning.
According to Dr. Tim Kalteneker, Deputy Superintendent, the immediate concern was “the what and how” in the e-learning process. “We had to identify and prioritize the essential content for what was expected of students through e-learning,” said Dr. Kalteneker. “How do we deliver instruction now that students are not in the classroom and what online methods will we use to accomplish this?”
The second phase of the District learning went deeper into subsistence learning. Teachers had to readjust their expectations for student learning while exploring new ways to present information. Student wellness, an important aspect during each phase, became a large focus during Phase Two. Teachers needed to assess how the student body was dealing emotionally with the new learning.
A crucial component of e-learning, implemented during Phases Two and Three was to create a ‘blended’ learning environment. This type of learning environment is a combination of synchronous learning, which is instruction that takes place in real-time; asynchronous learning, which incorporates recorded videos, and independent work; and interdependent learning, which is the interaction between the student and the teacher.
Also, during Phase Two, the District provided parents and students with seminars offering useful tips on transitioning from the classroom to e-learning. Byram Hills acquired consultant Dr. Nancy Sulla, to assist with the transition so that students would be successful in e-learning. Dr. Sulla introduced the community to eight essential elements of home-based learning: Creating structure, finding special projects, providing resources, allowing downtime, facilitating constructive conversations, creating balance, celebrating educational successes, and meaningful reflection on one’s effort.
“I have found that keeping a similar structure throughout the days is extremely helpful to me,” said high school junior, Sophie Stumacher. She shared that in her home designated times have been set aside for homework, exercising, meals, and family time.
Mrs. Jennifer Rowell, a second-grade teacher, shared that on the first day of e-learning, a parent emailed her that her son had set up a classroom at home just like his classroom at Coman Hill. The parent added, “He has a schedule, a calendar, and a warm-up to start his day.”
During Phase Three, teachers worked to refine the new learning environment, finding a balance between synchronous and asynchronous instruction, independent learning, and providing relevant feedback to students. The teachers designed instruction for learning new content and created more structured time for synchronous sessions. During Phase Three, portal feedback became available in the secondary schools, which helped keep students on task and parents aware of their progress.
By adapting the curriculum, learning new instructional strategies, and mastering new technologies, Byram Hills teachers have been working on e-learning. This process has shown everyone how important the student/teacher relationship can be.
“I’d say the biggest challenge for me is not seeing my students each day, said Ms. Leisa Palmer, a fourth-grade teacher. “They know that I’ll always be there for them.”
Students miss the day-to-day connection with their teachers. “My English teacher, Mr. Horn, holds Google Meets to just see how we are,” said high school junior, Alexa Tusiani. “This reassurance that our teachers are there for us has been incredible.”
“My favorite part of e-learning is Google Meets because I can actually see my teacher and my friends,” said Juliette Rosner, a fourth-grade student. “I miss them and even if it is through a computer, it helps me feel connected.”
“One ‘silver lining’ has been the relationship between students and teachers,” said Sydney Levy, a high school sophomore. “I am getting to know my teachers more because everyone is going through this together and I think we help each other.”
In Phase Four, the District implemented some new and different end of year rituals to honor students and are planning for the fall of 2020.
The District is reflecting on how this experience has changed the look of education. Byram Hills is a strong community with the collaboration of teachers, administrators, parents, and students.