At GEMS World Academy Chicago, we are fortunate to have innovation as a core pillar of our program. In fact, did you know that we have a Director of Innovation and Design, Dr. Gregory Wilson, as part of our faculty? We have many tools in place that support remote learning, and our community mindset is one of growth and enthusiasm as we embrace the challenges that come our way. Additionally, the International Baccalaureate Learner Profile, the attributes we instill in our students, builds understanding of the active role students play in their learning. Our students know how to be self-directed, actively engaged inquirers. 

Upholding the GEMS Experience

As GEMS Upper School students in grades 6-11 move to an online learning environment, teachers remain focused on upholding the key aspects of a GEMS experience:

• Strong community

• Student agency and leadership

• Meaningful connections between teachers and students

• Inquiry, creativity, risk-taking, and resilience

• Flexible planning through regular parent and student feedback

• Social-emotional growth through intentional support

• Growth of organizational, self-management, communication, research and social skills

In our online learning environment, we strive for a balanced learning experience, inserting periods of community-building and community spirit activities in the midst of engaging on and off-line academic activities.  Students continue all their regular classes, electives, and even clubs.  Our flexible response to online needs has meant an innovative new schedule that eliminates all-day screen requirements.

Innovation Online and Offline

Online learning at GEMS takes the creativity and dedication of teachers into a new environment but is based on the same kinds of innovative learning that occur in the classroom.  At GEMS, innovation is not limited to technological innovation, but it infuses the way we solve problems, connect with each other and take learning into new directions.  Innovative thinking means creative application to new situations.  Here is a sampling of the GEMS online world:

• Socratic seminar in French

• Collaborative padlet project in French with a 7th grade class in France

• Student presentations showing application of color theory to everyday household items arranged into artistic collages

• Student videos created to demonstrate the many ways to exercise and be fit with an everyday bath towel (link -- Jenny Hodges)

• Weekly Middle School newsletter conceived and written by the student government (link Ben Kirk)

• Choice block activities selected by students (link)

• Advisory sessions each day 

• Hanging out with teachers via video connection

• Use of Quizizz, Kahoot, Gimlet and other software to bring a fun game element into the online classroom

• Differentiated learning through small group sessions

• 6th grade orientation activities continued for 5th graders with student panels and info sessions

• 9th grade orientation activities continued for 8th graders with student panels, virtual class visits and info sessions

The Importance of Support

Remote learning is out of the comfort zone for so many of us who are used to being physically present on campus day in and day out, so it is a priority for us to be able to continue the level of support we typically make available to students  Our Student Support Team continues its weekly meetings with faculty to monitor the social, emotional, and academic needs of our students.  The Upper School Counselor and Learning Specialist work one-on-one with students, and advisors and teachers also schedule individual meetings with students and parents as needed.  The Team provides resources to teachers and students about time management and assists with creating the weekly schedules that promote organization and self-management skills.  

In the current situation, we are aware of the very real social needs of students who are isolated from each other and their teachers.  We schedule hanging out time with teachers, show-and-tell sessions, and creative flipgrid fun for students and teachers to share light moments with each other.  We continue communication with students and parents through Canvas where students also access homework and class resources and receive and submit assignments.