Dear subscribers
As we sit writing this introduction, Thailand, where we are based, is on the cusp of a third lockdown. Most international schools have already announced a return to online learning for the next few weeks, at minimum.
That makes this week’s EDDi unfortunately timely. We have three pieces examining online learning:
Ontario’s ‘choice’ of fully online school would gamble on children for profit
More than bricks and mortar: Wellbeing, online learning and the Great Pandemic
You’ll have to believe us when we say it wasn’t planned.
The first is a piece by Dr Stephen Whitehead pondering whether online learning will become the ‘new normal’, in profit seeking educational ventures especially. That article is supported by a piece which originally appeared in ‘The Conversation’ (reprinted with permission) which suggests some countries are already considering online learning as a means of “reducing costs and generating new revenue”.
Offering something of a counter to the for-profit narrative, regular contributor Sadie Hollins argues in her piece that, where student wellbeing is concerned, there is no substitute for face-to-face schooling.
Finally, we have something lighter. It’s a cautionary tale for anyone looking to do business in China, even online:
And, for those interested in international school recruitment, the latest ‘state of the market’ summary by Edvectus caught our eye. You can read the (short) piece here. EDDi’s interview with Edvectus is also still available. You can access the FULL hour-long recording and, because we know your time is precious, mini-slices of the individual questions - we know, awesome right? You can thank us by grabbing a copy of the book. :)
Happy reading and enjoy your weekend.
EDDi