Continuity of learning: what is at stake?

Continuity of learning is a basic concept recognised by the French Department for Education, but it is not confined to pupils and school teachers. What is it and who does it concern? 

What is continuity of learning?

Continuity of learning aims to ensure that a student continues to learn wherever they are, using tools such as school books, digital devices and resources created by teachers or trainers, for example. These tools also ensure continuity of contact between the student and the teacher throughout the entire learning period. This learning continuity has also become essential during the coronavirus pandemic, because some schools and training organisations have remained either partially or completely closed.

Good to know
Digital tools were widely used to ensure it during the first lockdown. However, the pandemic has revealed huge disparities in terms of equipment and Internet connection, as well as in terms of available work space for students.

Further reading: Coronavirus and video conferencing: Glowbl takes action for teaching, training and telecommuting

Who is concerned by continuity of learning?

It concerns all those who are in training, or in any form of education. It concerns schools, universities, training organisations, companies, and job seekers seeking skill development or retraining.

Schools and universities

The key concern regarding continuity of learning in schools and universities is to avoid interruptions in student learning caused by a move, an absence, or a school closure. It allows students to follow the curriculum, gain knowledge, and achieve their desired certificate or degree. Another concern for continuity of learning: social ties between students and teachers. 

Companies and employees

Continuity of learning is also a key issue for companies and their employees in training. It enables employees to continue training using remote tools. They can therefore continue to develop their skills even when the training organisation is closed to the public, for example. 

Training organisations and independent training officers

It is vital that training organisations, and training officers are able to offer remote solutions for continuity of learning. Institutes must deliver promised training courses to meet their commitments. It also enables them to maintain their business and receive payment throughout the entire period of remote learning. 

Job seekers 

Job seekers may undertake training in order to develop existing skills or acquire new ones, with a view to changing career. When training organisations are closed to the public, continuity of learning solutions can be implemented to provide training remotely, within the planned timeframe. 

Further reading: Covid-19: how video conferencing tools boost educational continuity and telecommuting

In many respects, continuity of learning is a vital tool to ensure that students continue to develop their skills in any situation. Although they have their limits, digital tools are now unavoidable and video conferencing solutions – particularly virtual classroom tools – can ensure remote dynamic classes to help pupils and students continue to learn. Test and create virtual classrooms with Glowbl and continue to run your classes!