March 18, 2020
8:30 a.m. — 9:20 a.m., EDT B1 Class Portals. All teachers are expected to be using the Finalsite class portal pages, particularly their calendaring and resources functionality. The Calendar lets students know deadlines for submissions, timing for availability of recorded lectures or scheduled Zoom teleconferencing, etc., and the Resources (and DropBox) areas of the portal promote a common set of recognizable and available methods for acquiring and submitting documents, assignments, and assessments. Students should be visiting these portal pages often.
Mr. Lawrence, Director of Studies Mr. Trenchard, Associate Head of School
FAQs If the school is able to employ both synchronous and asynchronous learning, what does the schedule actually mean for teachers and students? We know that not all of our students will be in the same time zone and that some will literally be on the other side of the world. Teachers have flexibility here. Some teachers might use Zoom for many class meeting times. At the very least, though, teachers should be available during class periods to answer questions. It is also important to note that teachers will check in with their students (via email, Zoom, or phone call) on a regular basis, regardless of the class period blocks.
What is the difference between synchronous and asynchronous learning? Synchronous learning takes place at a time when teachers and students are "in synch," available together for real time comments, discussion and feedback. Asynchronous learning can be accessed by students at any time … it does not necessitate that all participants are online concurrently, nor does it allow for real time interaction.
I see that the classes are only 50 minutes long. Will there be activities taking longer than that? Any activity longer than 50 minutes should be broken into smaller chunks with some of it moving to homework (and therefore being asynchronous). We want to engage our students meaningfully and moving to Pass/Fail is intended to enhance, not diminish, distance learning. It is also intended to lessen the anxiety that this new endeavor might prompt for our students. Certainly, our instruction will include assessments with meaningful feedback, and grading of some individual assignments will still be entered into Veracross Gradebook for students to reference as a part of their feedback.
How will this affect my year-end averages? We will not be determining year-end grades for this academic year, and we will not include the spring term when calculating the GPA used internally to determine Cum Laude (academic honor society). No. Our stated homework policies will be upheld. Of course, teachers assigning homework in addition to scheduling students to do online work during the class meeting time is completely acceptable. As you normally would, let your teacher and your advisor know.
I am concerned about my belongings at school. What are next steps there?
I am very concerned about how all of this will impact my college selection process. What should I do? Take a deep breath. Most students across the country, and indeed across the world, are experiencing disruption to their normal education due to COVID-19 mitigation. Colleges will understand these new realities and will adjust to them. The same is true with the testing agencies that offer the SAT and the ACT. The College Office has already begun communicating with admissions officers from the selective colleges to which Loomis Chaffee students matriculate, and they will continue to do so and will keep us all updated on developments therein. The dress code has been suspended for the spring term; that being said, please make sure that your attire is appropriate.
I have more questions about the academic program. Whom should I contact? Please begin with your advisor. Feel free to send additional questions to your academic dean: either Mr. DeConinck or Mr. Lawrence.
The Loomis Chaffee School • 4 Batchelder Road • Windsor, CT 06095 • 860.687.6000
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