Don’t Underestimate THIS Online Learning Solution

In the midst of a confusing year, where teachers and students are still struggling to adapt to hybrid learning, AISG offers a learning solution for individuals that want to take an online course instead. Pamoja Education Limited is a program that provides a range of online courses and subjects for the IB Diploma. The program covers all six subject groups and the IB DP core elements (Theory of Knowledge and Extended Essay), including Film SL and Business Management HL. However, many AISG students do not take advantage of this program, know of its existence, or simply underestimate the value of online learning.

The question is—why is online learning so important? While COVID-19 continues to prevent students and teachers from returning to school campuses in the United States, international schools in China have been able to resume most of its regular activities. As an alternative to classroom learning, online learning has proven to be a valid and effective solution. Pamoja, for instance, has been able to offer a wholesome experience for every online student. Each course is divided into units and specific lessons. To encourage engagement and understanding of every topic, the dedicated online teacher will assign different activities, including discussion forums, presentation projects, writing assignments, live lessons, wiki contributions, and more. Later on—usually at the end of each unit—the teacher will assign a summative to test a student’s overall knowledge of the topic. Under the “grades” tab, students can find their engagement score and other relevant summative and formative scores.

A Film SL student, Thomas X., commented on his experience so far with Pamoja. “We’re starting our first production soon in Film… I’m not sure of the details yet, but I’m really excited about it. Pamoja is very straight forward and the content is very easy to understand. Like a standard classroom, you can still connect with the teacher and the students in your class through the ‘Collaborate’ feature or chat function. Unlike a standard classroom, I think that Pamoja offers a lot more creative projects; I have been able to receive feedback immediately from my peers and my online teacher as well.”

For students that want a course that is not offered at AISG, they can talk to Ms. Martin-Bauer to request a specific course. Students have to be able to time-manage effectively and uphold their academic honesty.

As a Pamoja student myself, I am currently enrolled in the Business Management HL course. Personally, I find that taking an online course has allowed me to allocate my time efficiently between my IB classes. Overall, I would recommend and urge AISG students to consider taking Pamoja courses, because it allows every individual student to learn at their own pace and manage a flexible schedule.