Ryan Pinto
CEO, Ryan Group of Institutions

Ryan Pinto is CEO of the Ryan International Group of Institutions (RIGI) comprising 140 K-12 schools with 270,000 students countrywide.

Degree of satisfaction with Ryan schools’ switch to online learning. Back in December 2019, a review of the international pandemic situation prompted us to prepare an academic continuity plan for all RIGI schools countrywide and abroad. This plan was implemented quickly because we had introduced technology-integrated pedagogy several years ago. Therefore, fortunately our teachers were familiar with edtech and quick to adapt to technology-enabled online learning.

Moreover in May last year, we launched our integrated offline-online, synchronous-asynchronous K-12 learning initiative christened Ryan School OS — a one stop solution for curriculum delivery, timetabling, student assessment, teacher-pupil and peer-to-peer interaction. Ryan School OS has been implemented in all RIGI CBSE, IGCSE, ICSE/ISC, and state board-affiliated schools. A recent internal survey indicates that 92 percent of parents and students are ‘extremely satisfied’ with the Ryan School OS.

Downsides of online education. Inevitably online learning has its downsides. For instance, it’s difficult to personalise online lessons to suit every child’s learning style and capabilities. Moreover, all children are not able to listen attentively to virtual lectures. Also peer and collaborative learning suffers in online education. That’s why our Ryan School OS combines synchronous and asynchronous learning.
Reopening schools and RIGI schools’ readiness for in-person classes. The decision to reopen schools is of the government. Even as we speak, a number of states are permitting schools to resume in-person classes and we are very encouraged by the response of our parents.
All RIGI schools are fully ready with health and safety SOPs (standard operating protocols) conforming with WHO standards and Union health ministry guidelines. Every RIGI school also has a Covid Emergency Response Team (CERT) equipped and trained to deal with emergencies.

Remedial education plans. As we have been continually assessing students in online classes, we have a fair idea of learning loss and what needs to be done. Once in-person classes resume, we will undertake further diagnostic testing for all students and implement remedial education to bridge learning gaps.

Advice to digitally under-served education institutions. Regrettably, the pandemic has widened the digital divide in education. While there is no silver bullet solution for bridging this divide, it’s critical that the issue of digital divide and learning loss is addressed as it can have serious consequences for the country’s future. We need to innovate ways to teach-learn in asynchronous modes through sharing of teaching materials and resources and audio feeds.

Advice to government to make up for academically lost ground in the pandemic era. To reverse learning loss, the Central and state governments should be sensitive to the social and emotional needs of children. When accelerated learning programmes are introduced to bridge learning gaps, socio-emotional support also needs to be given priority.
With our extensive network of RIGI schools across the country, we are willing — indeed eager — to supplement government efforts.

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