Will the academic pace for students in virtual learning be the same as in-person classes?
Different from virtual learning in the spring, our fall semester virtual learning ushers in a full academic day. Students who are in virtual learning will work at the same pace as students who are receiving on-campus instruction. Teachers will maintain class websites through Berkshire’s Learning Management System where students will have access to all class materials. If students require additional time for the completion of work, they should contact their teachers directly for support. Teachers will be available to meet with students who are in virtual learning outside of class sessions for extra help.
How can students participate in classes that are in-person when they are online—is there a Zoom component to in-person classes?
Students who are in virtual learning have two options for viewing their classes:
1. If their time zone allows, students can participate in live classes through Zoom.
2. If students are unable to attend a class because of time zone limitations, they can watch a recording of the class. Recordings will be available for 72 hours following the class to ensure that students are not falling behind.
Once classes begin on campus, teachers may still teach a class virtually for all students if the nature of the lesson is supported by the virtual learning environment. Additionally, some faculty members may teach virtually for health reasons. Students who are not feeling well will be able to attend classes virtually, and faculty members who are not feeling well will be asked to teach virtually.
How will students in virtual learning access class recordings?
Teachers will share the links for class recordings with their classes. These links will be available in Veracross.
Will students in virtual learning receive grades?
Yes, all students, whether in virtual learning or receiving on-campus instruction, will receive grades. Teachers will post course guidelines and expectations on their class websites. Students will not be allowed to take classes pass/fail.
How will students in virtual spaces have access to collaborative components of classes including discussions and group work?
Teachers will make use of technological platforms to facilitate collaboration between all students in their classes. Students in virtual learning, for example, will regularly connect and interact with their teachers and classmates through live Zoom sessions. Teachers will design and reimagine lessons that intentionally include and welcome students who are in virtual learning. Berkshire will use a suite of educational technology in order to promote positive and productive interaction between students who are on campus and students who are in virtual learning.
Will the Berkshire School Honor Code apply to students who are learning in a virtual environment?
The Berkshire School Honor Code applies to all of our students, whether they are learning virtually or in-person. Students and their parents/guardians will be asked to sign the School’s Virtual Learning Policy, which asks them to acknowledge that the Berkshire School Honor Code applies to their work in the virtual learning environment. As always, any questions students have about assignment parameters should be addressed to their teachers.
How will students in virtual learning get their books?
Books will be shipped from the Berkshire School bookstore to all students who will be in virtual learning for the entire fall semester.
For students who are studying in locations that are not receiving mail from the United States, the School will work with the students to help them acquire the needed books.
Teachers will actively maintain class websites and, whenever possible, make class materials available in digital formats. All homework, assignments, and assessments will also be posted and available through the class website.
What materials do students need for virtual learning?
During virtual learning all students will need a laptop, as required when enrolling at Berkshire, and a reliable internet connection. Students are also encouraged to find a quiet space to work where they can focus and engage in their classes.
How will students get extra help while in virtual learning? Will teachers offer evening extra help hours?
Scheduled office hours will take place through Zoom on Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 9:00–9:35 AM EDT. For extra help outside of these times, students should reach out to their teachers directly to schedule a meeting time.
Teachers will offer assistance to students through methods that may include their Berkshire Zoom accounts, Berkshire email accounts, and Google Chat/Hangouts available through their Berkshire Google accounts.
What should students do if they have technical difficulties during virtual learning?
Students should reach out to the Berkshire School Technology Office for support at ithelpdesk@berkshireschool.org.
How will science labs take place for students who are in virtual learning?
Science labs will be adapted to fit both virtual and in-person instruction with the safety of our students guiding all decisions. Individual accommodations will be made based on student access.
How will performing arts and visual arts classes take place for students who are in virtual learning?
Performing and visual arts classes will be adapted to fit both virtual and in-person instruction with the safety of our students guiding all decisions. Individual accommodations will be made based on student access.
How will the opening weeks in virtual learning impact the drop/add period?
The first two weeks of school will still be our drop/add period. During this time, students are encouraged to have conversations with their assigned teacher about whether or not a placement is appropriate. In cases that involve a level change, the teacher will be in communication with the department chair. Level changes, once approved by the department chair, will go to the form dean, who will help make the change official. Students wishing to make elective changes should speak to their form dean.
When should students complete their summer reading?
Summer reading should still be completed prior to our September 8 start, and students should expect to be assessed in the first week.
What are teachers doing to prepare for virtual learning instruction?
During the summer months, teachers completed both internal and external professional development that focused on best practices and pedagogy for teaching in virtual and blended learning environments. Teachers learned how to develop a virtual presence in classes in ways that will effectively support student learning. With a focus on course design and planning, active virtual engagement, and building predictable learning environments, teachers will craft virtual learning experiences that are highlighted by consistency and clarity. Additionally, teachers will introduce new educational technology tools to support student learning; these tools range from video discussion platforms to digital whiteboards and will be utilized to support the learning goals of classes. Teachers will build community and establish class norms during the opening weeks of school.
What will assessments look like in virtual learning?
Assessments will vary from class to class just as they do with in-person learning. In the virtual learning environment, students should expect more formative assessments, designed to inform the teacher and the student of understanding. Teachers will continue to use summative assessments to enable students to share their evidence of learning. Summative assessments may include, but are not limited to, papers, projects, portfolios, and tests. Students who are in virtual learning for the fall semester will complete the same assignments and assessments as those students who are on campus.
How can parents and guardians support their students in virtual learning?
As we enter into this partnership with our families, we encourage open communication and ask that you reach out to your child’s Form Dean or advisor with questions or concerns. Families can help their students navigate virtual learning by encouraging them to check Veracross daily, helping them develop and maintain a healthy daily routine, and helping create a distraction-free space to complete academic work.
If you have any question or concerns, please feel free to reach out to Dean of Academics Brooke Depelteau at bdepelteau@berkshireschool.org.
