Why learning literature at Northbridge has never been so much fun in the guise of technology

Why learning literature at Northbridge has never been so much fun in the guise of technology The Learning in Language and Literature department at Northbridge International School Cambodia continues despite the global health emergency. For three weeks now, our English, Khmer, Korean, and Chinese teachers have been burning the midnight oil as they transform their classes into virtual classrooms. It might have seemed impossible at the beginning, but when the ball started rolling, technology became a sweet friend.

The Learning in Language and Literature department at Northbridge International School Cambodia continues despite the global health emergency. For three weeks now, our English, Khmer, Korean, and Chinese teachers have been burning the midnight oil as they transform their classes into virtual classrooms. It might have seemed impossible at the beginning, but when the ball started rolling, technology became a sweet friend. 

Lessons on literature would usually give a stereotypical idea of a never-ending discussion in the classroom - given its socratic nature. Such discussion continues, but this time around with the use of Padlets. Our teachers encourage the students to express their ideas on discussion questions posted on Padlets, and the students interact with at least three classmates by responding to their posts. It is, in fact, surprising to see students, who are normally timid in the classrooms, give comments to their classmates’ work.

Group work has never been interactive as ever. Interactive because technology has been in play in getting the groups together; thanks to Ms Andrea’s suggestions. It was a challenge at first because mostly, in a face to face scenario, we simply ask the students to sit in groups and work on a task. With virtual learning however, group work is done in Google Meets, Hangouts, Chatrooms. The intellectual noise is no different from a physical setting because being invited in all Hangouts group meetings, we hear their discussions all at the same time - painful to the ears but satisfying to listen to their exchanges of ideas (formal and informal discourses). 

Google Classroom has also been integrated in our lessons, especially in Korean and Khmer classes. Ms. Yunjung and Ms. Lyda use the world of Google Classroom ever so effectively in posting instructions, exchange of files, and most of all, providing feedback. 

Kahoot is in play in Ms. Jenni’s and Mr. Will’s classes. They use this platform in quizzes to alleviate stress from analyzing Shakespeare’s play. Further, they allow their students to engage with the text in a variety of ways: group read-aloud activities, listening sessions courtesy of Audible.com.

Although the computer screen has been the teachers’ constant companion these days, this does not prevent them from using the physical classroom space. They use the white board as if the students are in the room with them. 

But really, the best companions are the students. Not only do they religiously attend online lessons, but they provide constant assistance to their teachers. Ms. Sam and I, for instance, ask our students to help us in finding the right technology to use in recording oral presentations. 

Virtual Learning has tested the technology know-how of our Language and Literature teachers, but their creativity has prevailed.