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Building A Distance Learning Program Based On Finland’s Best Education Practices

The Finnish Curriculum And Learning During A Pandemic

Shulman: As you know, we are amid a global pandemic. From a high-level, can you tell me about the school’s offerings, and how a student’s day would look?

Berisha: Students usually start their day by answering well-being questions, and checking their timetable on the school LMS, which contains their daily assignments and activities in each subject.

Shulman: Are classes synchronous, asynchronous, or both?

Berisha: With a combination of live and asynchronous classes, FSI Global Online School is built to provide flexibility and personalization.

Shulman: How do you personalize learning online?

Berisha: Every student has an Individual Learning Plan, and can design her/his learning journey, including time, team, and learning mode. The school moves with families, allowing them to continue a flawless learning experience if re-locations take place. Students at FSI GO will be able to arrange and change their classroom groups (or learning pods) and teammates while building a global and diverse network.

Let’s Talk Learning Pods

Shulman: With schools closing, learning pods are the new thing. Do you help parents with potential learning pods?

Berisha: Yes, for a group of families looking to create a learning pod together, we provide selected onsite tutors that will come to students’ homes and give face to face learning support. At the same time, students continue to receive a world-class online education and participate in global projects with children from around the world. In this way, we offer the best of two worlds: personalized, home-delivered learning support, and world-class education delivered online by some of the world’s best teachers.

Student Mental Health Support

Shulman: Can you tell me how you help students with mental health needs?

Berisha: Student well-being and 24/7 support is an integral part of FSI GO’s education model. Based on individual data from each student, class (pod), and the whole school (provided through a digital application daily), the FSI GO team adjusts its teaching and support and makes direct interventions when necessary.

Shulman: Right now, all youth are facing such an unknown time. How do you ensure all kids are okay?

Berisha: We pay special care and attention to students’ well-being considering the difficult times we are going through due to the lack of physical interaction at school with their peers. Therefore, our psychologists and teachers hold online well-being classes where they give each other positive compliments to lift up their spirits.

Shulman: What about extra academic support?

Berisha: If a student has problems with Math, English, or Science assignments or homework, there are 24/7 live tutors ready to help.

Shulman: What other areas does FSI Global Online School cover for youth?

Berisha: We are working together with EtonX, part of the world-famous Eton College to deliver 21st-century skills development including critical thinking, creative problem solving, resilience, entrepreneurship, and how to make an impact.

Shulman: Can you share more academic examples students may have through your online program?

Berisha: Yes, students might experiment with chemical elements in a virtual lab in a Chemistry class, and see closely how reactions are made. Or, they may engage in various quizzes and discussions with their teachers and peers to have interactive sessions. We went to our students to feel like they are learning as if they were in school.

Shulman: How about the arts and music? It’s critical for brain development. Can you elaborate on that topic?

Berisha: The arts and music are also an essential part of the online curriculum for our students as they unleash their creativity. They draw incredible paintings as well as produce exceptional sounds using online platforms such as Garage Band. Besides this, IT and robotics are crucial in their development.

Shulman: How about learning hard skills such as software development?

Berisha: Students, starting from preschool and onwards can complete online coding courses and receive awards and certificates upon their successful completion of the programs in designing websites, engaging in Minecraft, using coding blocks, and much more.

Shulman: How can you ensure inclusivity for all students?

Berisha: To ensure inclusivity, FSI GO is providing three-tier pricing based on GDP per capita starting at 295 Euros per month, or $349.00, or parents can take 30% off if they register for annual payments.

Robyn D. Shulman
Robyn D. Shulmanhttps://braincentricdesign.com/
Robyn D. Shulman, M.Ed., is a certified K-9, ESL, and Writing Teacher. In 2018, LinkedIn named her the #1 Top Voice in Education. She is a contributing writer for Forbes, where she covers education and entrepreneurship. She is also the Executive Editor at Brain-centric Design. She writes about K-12, college changes, innovation, entrepreneurship, and the innovation we need to have in education. She also shares how learning works on a fundamental level for both children and adults, based on 40 years of neuroscience. Her work highlights the positive changes we can bring in K-12, for college-age students, and within corporate education. Robyn is also the founder of EdNews Daily, an education media outlet and resource that provides education support and information for parents, students, teachers, and school administrators. Robyn has also been part of LinkedIn's advisors since 2013 and was named as "Someone to Follow" in 2016 with the official influencers who use the platform. Before her time writing, she started her career in a 4th-grade classroom, and eventually transitioned into higher education. Entrepreneur, Forbes, Cision's Influencer Blog, The Huffington Post, LinkedIn's Official Blog, The International Educator, Edudemic, Edutopia, We Are Teachers, Reimagine Education, Fox News Chicago, Thrive Global, The Next Web, and more publications have featured her work. Today, she continues to work with students, teachers, and innovators in education, hoping to bring positive change to the entire education system.

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