Mt. Airy Christian Academy Stays Ahead of the Distance Learning Curve
Educating Students Fully Online Just Two Days After School Closures
Mt. Airy, MD –– MARCH 28, 2020 — Mt. Airy Christian Acade
my stayed ahead of the curve and was a front runner in implementing their full distance learning program within just two days of school closures. Now, after 10 days into distance learning, their ability to successfully educate their students has not skipped a beat.
“After seeing other parents scramble these last two weeks trying to fill the gap in educating their children from home and after seeing entire school systems stuck in red tape or just give up due to insurmountable obstacles, Mt. Airy Christian Academy is so grateful to God for uniquely preparing us for this and to our staff and teachers for working together so quickly to implement distance learning for our students and their families,” says Vicky Webster, Mt. Airy Christian Academy’s Head of School.
In addition to incredible teamwork among its staff, MACA credits their rapid implementation of distance learning to the many steps that they had already instituted prior to the crisis, which include:
- High schoolers using individually-issued Chromebooks on a daily basis in the classroom
- Middle school and upper elementary students using Chromebooks regularly in their classrooms
- Younger students regularly taking quizzes on computers
- The elementary math curriculum providing many online tools for parents and students
- Two members of MACA’s administration are completing upper level degrees in subjects directly relevant to this crisis. One, a Masters degree focusing on integrating technology in the elementary classroom and the other, a Doctorate in Education with dissertation on “Distance learning in K-12 schools”.
By 8am each morning, students can login, enter their online Google classroom and see video lessons and assignments, broken down by subject, from their own teachers. Students take online quizzes and use their device cameras to upload pictures and videos of their completed assignments. Since many families are sharing devices and internet bandwidth, students have the flexibility to complete their assignments anytime that day.
“The school’s administration was quick to comfort and reassure us during the hectic first days of this crisis. By implementing distance learning so quickly, they provided one less thing that parents had to worry about. My elementary student is comforted by still seeing his teacher every day and he has been excited by the creativity that his teacher is using to keep learning fun through such a tough time.” said MACA parent, Kristin Furr.
“We’re happy that in addition to providing continuity in the learning of our students, we can do so with the flexible structure that so many need at this time. We are excited that due to these amazing God-sustained efforts, our teachers and families will still get to enjoy our scheduled Easter break and every student Pk3-12th grade, including our dually enrolled high school/college students will successfully complete the school year on time. We’re grateful that we don’t have to extend our school year or modify any requirements due to this program.” said Vicky Webster.
“The real heroes in this distance learning equation are the teachers. They have worked hard every day to provide comfort and love to our students and even with distance in between, they are still shining bright and helping to provide joy and security to our children and their families in a time when they most need it.” said Webster.
DAY ONE MT. AIRY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY DISTANCE LEARNING PHOTOS
