Tuition centers should not force parents to accept digital learning at full fees.

[sky minecrafter]

I'm with zeal'mummy on this - it could be Less beneficial to conduct online tutoring, from a classroom-setting centre's perspective:


(1) Prying eyes of parents (Jec used to shoo me away from their classroom door/ common corridor - haha)
(2) Easier duplication of copyright materials
(3) Closer scrutiny of materials & teaching methodologies (instead of broadcasting a thematic video, the tutor may now need to make it available longer for the student's use)
(4) Like our forummers have also posted, there's a lot more hard work behind the scenes/ webcam...

[Zeal mummy]

phtthp\" post_id=\"1969158\" time=\"1585500873\" user_id=\"35251:

Zeal mummy\" post_id=\"1969154\" time=\"1585499504\" user_id=\"58173:[quote=\"Zeal mummy\" post_id=1969154 time=1585499504 user_id=58173]Actually online tutoring is the safer option.. via zoom it’s interactive and almost like f2f. However Its very disappointing when a 3 hour regular class becomes only an hour long via zoom.

when go online, cannot be 3 hours too long,

because

sit in front of a computer for 3 hours, is too taxing, tiring

after one hour, your concentration power begin to drift off[/quote]

The other centers stick to their stipulated class hours and provided 10 mins break for every hour of class. I think they shouldn’t short change people ya..

[6thisnthat9]

So those w private tutors shld stop lessons too?

[phtthp]

Zeal mummy\" post_id=\"1969160\" time=\"1585511665\" user_id=\"58173:[quote=\"Zeal mummy\" post_id=1969160 time=1585511665 user_id=58173]

phtthp\" post_id=\"1969158\" time=\"1585500873\" user_id=\"35251:

[quote=\"Zeal mummy\" post_id=1969154 time=1585499504 user_id=58173]Actually online tutoring is the safer option.. via zoom it’s interactive and almost like f2f. However Its very disappointing when a 3 hour regular class becomes only an hour long via zoom.

when go online, cannot be 3 hours too long,

because

sit in front of a computer for 3 hours, is too taxing, tiring

after one hour, your concentration power begin to drift off[/quote]

The other centers stick to their stipulated class hours and provided 10 mins break for every hour of class. I think they shouldn’t short change people ya..[/quote]Yes correct, Tuition centre should not short change people

however, on the other hand, parents themselves should also assess & monitor their own child, very closely
find out the truth, whether 3 hours online duration is really effective ?
scrutinize, examine in detail, what sort of online content are they delivering ?
good or lousy material ? worthwhile to pay so much ?
doesn't mean use Zoom technology, means worth it.
Must check the online content itself, worthwhile or not ?

at the same time, also assess your own kid honestly, how much has your child truly absorbed ?

on a scale of 1 to 10,
if is a 3 hr online duration,
did the child absorb less than 50 % of the online lesson content,
or absorb 60 % or more in content,
or lagi worse, switch off half way, simply bo-chap, don't even know what's going on ?

[phtthp]

sky minecrafter\" post_id=\"1969159\" time=\"1585501294\" user_id=\"130531:[quote=\"sky minecrafter\" post_id=1969159 time=1585501294 user_id=130531]
I'm with zeal'mummy on this - it could be Less beneficial to conduct online tutoring, from a classroom-setting centre's perspective:

(1) Prying eyes of parents (Jec used to shoo me away from their classroom door/ common corridor - haha)

(2) Easier duplication of copyright materials

(3) Closer scrutiny of materials & teaching methodologies (instead of broadcasting a thematic video, the tutor may now need to make it available longer for the student's use)

(4) Like our forummers have also posted, there's a lot more hard work behind the scenes/ webcam...[/quote]

true

once hold online lessons at home, parents / grandparents / siblings at home can sit nearby to child, listen to what the online Teacher is teaching about, from there gauge & assess whether online Tr is teaching well or not really

[phtthp]

News99\" post_id=\"1969149\" time=\"1585495331\" user_id=\"184890:

Hi, I’m a news reporter from Mediacorp Channel 8. I’m looking into current issue that parents faced with the e-learning program at tuition centre, not being able to get refund or opting out from the program. I would like to carry out an interview, let your voice and concerns be heard. Pls do not hesitate to reach me at [email protected]

Thank you very much.

Zukky78\" post_id=\"1968883\" time=\"1585353014\" user_id=\"184872:

It’s interesting how different organisations behave in crisis. Kudos to travel agencies, hotels, airlines gyms and many more. Allowing us to delay trips, weddings, rollover subscriptions etc.

Today I received “The Learning Lab experience”. Due to closure they inform us there will be

no refunds, no rollover, take our online learning solution at the price you paid for face to faceclasses. If you accept we will give you 25% off next term (which could be still non f2f)

Here’s the issue, TLL (the learning lab)

1) The digital learning is hastily put up, many parents have mentioned it’s inefficient (I’m being very kind with my words) given the monies they have paid. It’s basically a bulletin board or forum board where individuals post replies to each other. With the premium parents pay they are better off enrolled in true online learning platforms, you are likely able to cover all subjects vs 1 subject in learning lab.

2) Time, not all kids are independent enough to sit through online learning, sure we parents take some responsibility but many of us are trying our best and through this solution very likely we have to sit there and help our kids. We are fine with that, but do we still have to pay thousands to TLL? The answer is NO

3) Some students might not even have laptops or tablets readily available, I’ve 2 kids btw same class. Did I also mention we have to print out worksheets? Or collect them from the center if you do not have a printer. What are the recourse for parents in this instance? buy laptop? buy ipads?

4) Many of us don’t understand why TLL touted as a leader in learning are treating parents this way, the equitable way to go about doing this is allowing us to rollover lessons.

Am very frustrated by the lack of response and have started a petition to raise more awareness. Look we understand it is covid19 but you cannot treat parents like fools to maximise profits at our expense.

https://www.ipetitions.com/petition/the-learning-lab-to-allow-postponerefund-fees

Dear producer Ms Chua Sin Kai [News99],

Appreciate your effort, in trying to reach out to several frustrated parents, who wish to get refund or who wish to opt out of this online learning, but couldn't, because of the way some Tuition centre high-handedly operate, simply don't allow. But whether really students learnt at the end of the day, arh this part, parents need to do their due diligence, to go and check

During the interview on Channel 8, appreciate, if you can help to invite key representative from CASE or from other authority whom u deem fit, can give advice, how to help these \"trapped\" parents or \"trapped\" students who wish to get out, but couldn't.

example

one P6 student posted this below, in his or her appeal to the tuition centre, to let student opt out

\"
I overheard my dad telling my mum that he may not be able to pay for my tuition fee.
My dad is a taxi driver and his income is badly affected by the virus. My mum was forced to stop work for a few months. I hope xxx centre give me a choice not to participate in the online lessons. I do not wish to add extra financial burden to my parents. I will study hard on my own to prepare for PSLE \"

When u read the above P6 student message posted, one can't help that this student is a filial child, helping out his or her family financial situation desperately, by appealing to the tuition centre.
For goodness sake, let the child opt out !
In this crisis, there are people losing jobs !


Thank you, once again, for your valuable help

[zac's mum]

If I may draw an analogy of what the majority of the tuition centers have been doing:


Imagine a business (Eg 5-star Restaurant business), due to some sudden new regulation from govt, need to shutdown for 5 weeks. The existing customers already sitting and eating inside their restaurant are told, sorry we are shutting down right now for 5 weeks. And oh by the way, we are rolling out this new e-dining system. U can see your food but you cannot smell or taste it.

To do this e-dining, you need to set up your home computer with these passwords/software, print your own picture of the food, login at this fixed time and your chef will be ready on hand to discuss via text chat about how wonderful the food is, answer your qns etc. Other diners will also login so you can discuss as a group.

No you can’t opt out. You can’t get a refund either because you paid for 3 months F2F dining experience in advance. Maybe we can offer you 25% discount off the next 3 months of e-dining.

[hanhui]

chenlaoshi\" post_id=\"1969150\" time=\"1585496996\" user_id=\"162894:

zac's mum\" post_id=\"1968972\" time=\"1585395433\" user_id=\"53606:[quote=\"zac's mum\" post_id=1968972 time=1585395433 user_id=53606]I would like to share my experience with chenlaoshi’s response to the sudden shock ruling in this past week (in fact less than a week). Although he is not a big tuition centre but he runs group classes.

Like everyone, I’m sure he was taken by surprise at the sudden forced closure. Yet he took the time to pause, think very carefully how to solve this problem. He spent the time to explore all various types of platforms before he decided on which one would be the most effective. He kept us parents updated via WhatsApp each step of the way.

He did not rush in to implement any changes. First he assured us that any e-lessons would be free of charge for these 5 weeks shutdown, which is nobody’s fault. For us to trial out and get used to the system first.

Next, he decided to start off with a Pre-recorded video for the missed lesson, log in at own time own target. He even did a how-to video guide in English for us parents to understand how to join the Google Classroom, how to submit homework etc. Then in the lesson video he assured the kids themselves that they could pause at any time if they need to review or finish copying down notes.

Next week will be the first “live” session via Zoom. Again he sends us detailed instructions on how to set it up. With the option to WhatsApp him for any queries.

To me, that should be the gold standard for how to transit to new technology platform. Parents definitely have to assist the kids with setting all this up, including sitting beside them to remind them pay attention etc. How can those tuition centers expect buy-in from parents when they can’t provide proper how-to guide or support?? Add the stress of joining a “live” PAID lesson (no option to refund/defer) at the non-regular timing (no option to select another timing)...makes the parents go nuts with anger and don’t need to wonder why.

FantasyLandDreams\" post_id=\"1969004\" time=\"1585405069\" user_id=\"105816:

sky minecrafter\" post_id=\"1969019\" time=\"1585413682\" user_id=\"130531:[quote=\"sky minecrafter\" post_id=1969019 time=1585413682 user_id=130531]This is chenlaoshi:

https://www.kiasuparents.com/kiasu/forum/viewtopic.php?f=85&t=95548&start=10

:thankyou: for the kind words and encouragement. Don't mean to 'spoil market' or 'play hero', just followed my heart and did what I thought was right.

This week brings back memories of my previous experience being involved in smart classroom pilot program at one of my previous schools (for Pri 4 level). This is a good opportunity for educators to look deeper into how to tap on ICT to enhance learning process as well as facilitate communication. That said, the amount of back end job can often be overlooked/underestimated. I'm sure processes will be fine tuned and improved upon along the way. [/quote]

Let me add on to this :
Chen Laoshi is indeed a great & passionate teacher! He takes the trouble & put in his utmost effort to ensure the online learning journey with him will be a smooth one. He updates parents via WhatsApp on the steps we have to follow & download the online Learning app. He video records to do it step by step for parents who are unsure & new to this. Above all, he tries his best to communicates with parents though he is Super busy and never fails to revert should we encounter any doubts.
During lessons, I’ve also noticed he will explain the worksheet content step by step eg. on the comprehension section , he will translate in Eng if there’s a need to do so in order for the kids to truly understand the story and the meaning for them to answer the questions correctly .
Today, he took the trouble to do a one hour trial Online to ensure the smooth running of the learning installation incase we faced any hiccups on the actual tuition day , at least is solved beforehand , this is to maximise the quality of the tuition lesson as he knows for the 1st time logging in will have various hiccups.
A down to earth and sincere , passionate teacher who loves teaching his students & feels proud of his profession! My gal benefited and improved under his guidance esp all the hints and little details which we were not aware before joining his class last yr:) Thank you Chen Laoshi for your dedication & hope you will continue to guide the kids well!
Incase you are wondering who am I ? I’m JIA HUI‘S mummy:) 谢谢你的鼓励👍🏻

[zac's mum]

Straits Times has done a good job interviewing several parties & comparing what all the competitors are offering (both in their E-platforms & how they dealt with already-paid fees). For your reference & open your eyes big big. Parents know where’s a better deal to hop to now.


[u]Coronavirus: Tuition and enrichment centres go online, offering discounts and more resources to students[/U]

https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/education/coronavirus-tuition-and-enrichment-centres-go-online-offering-discounts-and-more?xtor=CS3-18&utm_source=STiPhone&utm_medium=share&utm_term=2020-03-31%2022%3A03%3A09

[zac's mum]

Anybody had good experience with BBB platform so far? Does it allow video function to see all participants like Zoom? I’ve no idea whether it’s simply incapable of this function, or whether it was not just working today.