Assumption High School Launches Virtual Learning through long standing partnership with HP and Microsoft

Following the directive of Governor Andy Besehear, Assumption High School closed its building to in-person classes as of Monday, March 16, but learning has not stopped for Assumption students.   Assumption High School has prepared and implemented a plan to ensure  that our students will continue learning in the most effective way possible during the extended closing of our campus.

Building on our established plan for inclement weather cancellations, Assumption utilized two built-in “snow” days on Monday, March 16 and Tuesday, March 17, and on Wednesday, March 18 moved to our established system of digital learning days which provides  course work for students to complete while home. During digital learning days, teachers provide on-line lessons for students through a variety of formats and platforms, and students have a specific time frame within which to complete and submit their classwork online.  Beginning Tuesday, March 24, students will transition from asynchronous to a synchronous virtual learning process which will allow our students and teachers to return to learning within their class learning communities in virtual classroom settings [during regularly scheduled meeting times.

This virtual learning process is made possible through Assumption’s long-standing partnership with HP and Microsoft to offer a comprehensive technology program which includes a 1:1 tablet PC program that integrates technology into the curriculum as a tool for learning more effectively. Technology Integration Specialist and teacher Jill Elder shared, “Assumption teachers work extremely hard in all that they do. When the possibility of a closure became evident, the administrative team immediately stepped into action to form a plan for virtual learning during an extended building closing using Microsoft Teams.  This quick action allowed teachers time to train with that program while students were still in their classrooms. Teachers were given hands-on, written, and video instruction on how to create a remote learning community.”

Training for teachers using Microsoft Teams helped to grow teachers’ skills and comfort with teaching virtually, sharing course materials digitally, and interacting with students in real time to deliver instruction and answer questions. Should classes need to complete a test, teachers were trained to use the Microsoft app, Take a Test, that securely locks browsers for testing. Math teacher Scott Spinetto is ready for this change from in person to online. He said “The technology tools of hardware, software, and connectivity we’ve put in the hands of teachers and students here at Assumption are HUGE enablers for us to continue the learning process under these circumstances. I’m thrilled with our capabilities in the math department to keep engaging our students remotely until we can get back together as a community.” For more information regarding Microsoft Office and digital learning, visit this link.

When teachers and students make the shift to virtual instruction,  Microsoft Teams will provide a platform for students to log in to classes on a regular schedule and attend their class where through video and microphone capabilities, allowing them to hear and communicate with their teachers and classmates.  Ainsley Moore ’20 shared “I like the idea of having class from the comfort of my home and I’m still able to be with my class virtually. This causes a disruption in my senior year but I’m grateful for the technology Assumption has that helps us from extending into the summer.”

While this pandemic is affecting normal operations, Assumption is prepared to continue to work together to provide the best possible learning experience despite challenging circumstances.