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

[phtthp]

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

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..

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]

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...

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]

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 chuasinkai@mediacorp.com.sg

Thank you very much.

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 ... efund-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]

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.

So far Chen laoshi giving ‘free’ online lesson is the only ‘free’ case I know now. Shows that he really put the children as priority. Hmmn... yes gold class standard... maybe he will become the 网红补习老师soon?

We’ve actually attended his 2 day p6 hcl compre holiday class last year and found it useful too. After the class, he still replies our queries as well, even though he is not obliged to do so. Thank you Chen laoshi!

This is chenlaoshi:

https://www.kiasuparents.com/kiasu/foru ... 8&start=10

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.

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.

Coronavirus: Tuition and enrichment centres go online, offering discounts and more resources to students

https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/ ... %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.

[zac's mum]

https://bit.ly/2UXbYgl

A matter of time before tuition goes online for good
BY: LIM WEI YI
Published 3 April 2020 in Todayonline

As an education centre owner, I was among those affected by the Government’s announcement on March 24 that centre-based tuition will be suspended from March 27 till April 30 as part of measures to curb the Covid-19 outbreak.

While the move should not have been a complete shock, it was still unsettling.

Hours before that, my business partner and I had met up to discuss how to move lessons online.

We have been making changes to the way we operate since Chinese New Year when the Covid-19 situation appeared to be escalating.

These include daily disinfections of the premises, full refunds to those on Leave of Absences, constant updates to parents on what we are doing, taking temperatures of students and making sure they have not come into contact with those infected.

While the Government’s announcement meant a mad scramble for tuition operators such as myself to make adjustments, I believe this is a silver lining of many sorts.

First, this may perhaps be the push we need to move towards online tuition or e-tuition.

Personally, I love physical classes because I like the interaction with students and the relationship built but I have to reluctantly admit online classes are the way to go in future.

Just like how brick-and-mortar malls are giving way to online shops and traditional taxis are losing market share to private hire vehicles, the tuition industry needs to prepare itself for the future before it gets caught out by technological disruption.

In extreme times, measures that normally require deliberation are implemented quickly, and in this case immediately. Forced to break out of our comfort zone, we are experimenting with Zoom, Google classrooms and the likes.

We may lose some students who prefer face-to-face (which really isn’t an option now) but we may also find a new niche, and new opportunities.

Even universities like Harvard are offering online courses. Byju’s, an Indian online education company, is raising about US$300 million in a funding round, according to a Bloomberg News story.

Not only that, tuition operators who embrace online classes successfully will not be limited by space, rental costs and could open themselves to new markets from beyond Singapore.

For online classes, so much time could be saved for both the student and the teacher. There is no time to rush from place to place and fewer reasons to miss a class.

For operators like myself, it also means I could get talent from anywhere, even from overseas. As it stands, one big challenge I face is recruiting good teachers. It typically takes half a year to hire one.

For older students who just need tips from a tutor, an online system is ideal. Self-motivated, you listen for advice and can skip the parts you do not need if it is a recorded version.

With flipped learning where students already have the class materials before lessons, e-tuition is also practical, as any face time would be used mainly to clarify doubts.

In the long haul, going fully online bodes well cost-wise for tuition centres. Rental, like all other businesses, take up the bulk of overhead costs.

I was once quoted S$20,000 a month for rent at a 600 square-foot unit in an old mall with little traffic.

In contrast, a Zoom account ranges from being free to just US$14.99 a month to host 100 people.

There will be significantly fewer bills — such as electricity, printing and cleaning — to pay. In fact, with less commuting required and paper used, e-tuition is more environmentally friendly.

That said, as with all uses of technology, there are downsides to e-tuition.

First, the online experience may not match the face-to-face experience. Through my years of teaching, I have built rapport with many students, and kept in touch with some even after graduation.

The kind of connection would be more difficult to establish in an online setting. It is harder for me to give personal attention to students with problems too.

Face-to-face, we can see physical cues to notice one’s discomfort, or a student’s look of confusion before we seek to clarify their doubts. Online, it is harder for us to do so.

More importantly, I worry about the rich-poor gap growing.

As the online learning experience becomes more ubiquitous, especially if government schools were to close, what would happen to the poor who cannot afford a laptop or proper internet access at home?

Still, online classes are a must and disadvantages of an online learning environment are challenges we have to overcome.

Some parents may also have their misgivings about online tutoring and that mindset will also need some time to change.

I reckon tutors can set aside some electronic face time, similar to a university professor’s office-hours allotment, to help students who need more attention.

We can still be very interactive online, treating each class like a “performance”, which a class really should be.

Games can still be played in an online setting. We just need more imagination and creativity.

Beyond the nuts and bolts of holding classes online, tuition and education centres need to deal with this situation with care and compassion.

An education business is a business like no other. Besides the need to be profitable, it needs to be one that is ethical, especially in a crisis like this.

Provide options for refunds if parents or students are uncomfortable with e-tuition. Offer trials to be fair to them. Provide rebates if you can afford to, because we need to be in solidarity in this time of need. The goodwill will go a long way.

My centre is only starting e-lessons this weekend as the preparations — creating Zoom invitations, ensuring everyone gets the memo — have kept us busy. But I am hopeful all’s well will end well.

In Chinese, a crisis is written with two words — danger and opportunity. I think there is an opportunity for educators to be more creative. For students, this is also an opportunity to show their resilience and adapt.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Lim Wei Yi is the co-founder of Study Room, an education centre. He also teaches at tertiary institutions and was previously a financial reporter.

[6thisnthat9]

Our piano tr suspended lessons starting today. Very fortunate when I shared about my concerns on continuity of practices, tr offered video conferencing to check on their progress and get them to take down notes and prepare a video of them playing their pieces in performance standard to send to tr. Tr will check in on them similarly next week too.
All the above for no charge. We are so grateful

[sugarbug]

DPM Heng just announced a blanket 75% of salary support (up to $4600). Landlords are also mandated to pass property tax rebates down which will amount to about 1 month of rental. So if this whole thing passes in a month or assuming that the government continues this support if situation continues, the business takes no business risk? Parents are on the other hand expected to continue to pay 100% fees (whether tuition center, preschool or school buses)