CHULA VISTA, Calif. (KGTV) -- While most students in San Diego County are distance learning, there are some schools that are doing a combination of virtual and in-person learning.
One school in the South Bay is working with a hybrid system that makes sure all students get the same learning opportunities.
St. Rose of Lima Catholic School in Chula Vista welcomed students back on campus a month ago. To keep class sizes small and following state guidelines, they split the older graders into separate classrooms.
But not everyone returned to campus, as dozens of families chose to stay at home and do distance learning.
So, the school put together a hybrid system that allows all students to participate in real time teaching no matter where they are.
With the use of technology, the teacher can see the students at home and the students that are in both classrooms.
Sixth-grade teacher Michael Hart said with the help of Zoom, a camera, and classroom speakers, he can engage all students in daily lessons.
“I have a Logitech camera that tracks me so it will follow me around the classroom or if I’m behind my desk. It’s just a simple remote,” Hart said.
He also uses an app that makes sure every student is called upon equally, so they can all participate in class discussions.
Sixth-grader Zachary Lastrella told ABC 10News, “If Mr. Hart asks us a question either in here or in the Zoom or in the other room, then we can answer the question.”
As for tests, all of the students complete those using their laptops via Google Forms.
Hart added, “It’s able to randomize the questions, whether it’s multiple choice or fill in the blanks or an essay response, and it does come down to academic honesty.”
Students say physically their “classrooms” may be different now, but the important elements are still there.
Devraaj Jani, a sixth grade students, said, “We’re still in one class, and we’re still together as one.”
