Built on Research
In focus group discussions, as well as the different surveys conducted by MC, students revealed that the abrupt shift to online learning that they had experienced in the previous semester left them with a lot of anxieties about learning. In particular, they worried about whether or not they would be able to adapt to a new learning setup, or even access their schoolwork. Through these research activities, we determined that Module 0 needed to:
- Highlight best features of modular learning;
- Guide students through reflection activities that would help them come up with study habits for modular learning;
- Offer options and alternatives for students who had limited or no access to the internet.
We dove deep into research related to remote and modular learning, including the attitudes and behaviors that would help students thrive in such a setup. While these resources were summarized and included as supplementary material in the course, we also designed activities that would help students reflect on the study habits they had during face-to-face learning, and which ones they would need to unlearn in order to succeed in modular learning.
Inclusive and Accessible
Three student personas guided our work: One with multiple resources and consistent and steady internet access, another with limited internet access and some resources, and another with no internet access or resources. As modular learning accommodates learners' diverse needs and learning situations, all the resources used in Module 0 were laid out in mobile-friendly and print-ready versions. These documents were sent to students who requested them.
We deliberately designed Module 0 to showcase useful features of Google Suite for Education, MC's online learning environment. This served the dual purpose of preparing the students to effectively navigate the platform during the semester as well as modeling what their teachers can do to make modular learning inclusive, accessible, and kind.
To introduce Module 0, we conducted a webinar to introduce parents to the new learning setup and share ways that they can support their daughters through the transition. We did the same with the students in a live session, orienting them about modular learning before they went into the Module 0 tasks.
The Impact
To measure the impact of Module 0, we observed the program's live closing session and analyzed the results of a pre- and post-assessment that aimed to measure the students' attitudes towards the modular learning setup. The results of the assessment revealed that while many entered the program feeling uncertain about the new setup, they left Module 0 feeling more confident in themselves and their ability to adapt to the changes in the delivery modality. This was confirmed during the live closing session, where the teachers and students reiterated a commitment to learn from the experience and to grow together.
