Even during COVID-19 lockdowns, schools can continue operating by managing administration remotely with a cloud-based school management system and supporting teaching through virtual classrooms.
The Coronavirus has gotten us all by surprise. Non-essential businesses have closed their doors under the growing threat of the virus spreading fast. Schools and educational institutions are no exception. The need to protect students, teachers, and staff from contagion — and to minimize the spread of the novel Coronavirus — became evident very quickly. As a result, schools, colleges, and educational institutions in affected countries had to turn to work from home as a last resort.
And although no one can deny that in-person teaching is indispensable, during this challenging period of unprecedented social distancing, we are all called upon to make the best of the hand we’ve been dealt.
First, let’s take a closer look at the situation as it stands globally. We need to understand the core problems educational institutions are facing. Then, we can see how school management and remote work can realistically come to terms.
What problems are schools facing during COVID-19?
There is no need to explain why schools in areas affected by COVID-19 must follow lockdown rules. Not only schools, but all educational organizations are required to comply.
Why do educational organizations need to remain closed?
The initial guidelines from the World Health Organization advised schools and educational organizations to follow strict hygiene practices. However, the inevitable proximity among students and teachers left no real alternative once the virus began to spread. Alarmed by the threat, schools responded and conformed to government guidelines.
Although this strategy is necessary, no one can deny that the consequences of an educational halt have a serious impact on the entire educational community. Since this is a matter of life and death, it is imperative that schools find new ways to adjust to this new reality.
How does school lockdown affect students and staff?
Let’s assume the best-case scenario. Even a few weeks of absence can cost students dearly in terms of academic performance, future educational goals, and emotional well-being. Sudden changes in daily routines often cause frustration and stress.
Teachers and school staff are equally affected. As employees, they must adapt to remote work while preparing to reverse learning gaps once schools reopen. When this unprecedented period finally comes to an end, educators will be expected to restore stability using new methods and tools.
Overall, continuity in educational procedures has been heavily disrupted. That is why schools, colleges, and educational institutions around the world must turn to remote work — much like many businesses already have.
If you are a teacher, school administrator, or part of an educational organization, here is how you can make work from home work for your school too.
How can you manage your school from home?
During this challenging period, direct contact with students and teachers is no longer possible. As a result, schools cannot operate the way they used to. However, it is possible to monitor and manage all core procedures safely from home — just as you would from your school office.
The key is using a school management system.
What is DreamClass and how does it help schools work from home?
With a school management system like DreamClass, you can run all administrative tasks from your computer through a secure, cloud-based platform. After registering, you can assemble all core school entities — teachers, students, classes, and courses — in one centralized environment.
DreamClass allows you to manage your school efficiently from a distance, often more effectively than before. Key features include:
- Student admissions: Register students for the current school period, manage personal data, and ensure academic continuity using a structured admission management system.
- Class management: Organize classes by discipline, level, or structure based on your school’s needs with centralized student information system workflows.
- Student and teacher management: Assign students and teachers to classes for clearer coordination and supervision across your student information system (SIS).
- Payroll and payments: Track financial records, including pending and overdue payments, in one place with integrated school billing and payments tools.
Together, these features help keep your school, college, or educational institution running smoothly — even while working remotely.
Once your digital school structure is in place, you can administer daily operations from anywhere. The next step is connecting teachers and students in a virtual learning environment.
How do virtual classrooms support work from home?
After organizing administrative tasks, schools can begin hosting virtual meetings and lessons between teachers and students, supported by remote and hybrid learning workflows. Today, there is a wide range of virtual classroom platforms available.
At DreamClass, we are actively working on bringing you relevant virtual classroom functionality to support remote teaching during lockdowns.
But effective remote schooling is not only about tools.
How can schools support staff and student psychology during lockdown?
Remote schooling affects people emotionally as much as it does operationally. Teachers and students experience this challenge differently, and schools must address both sides.
- How should schools support teachers? Maintain clear communication and offer guidance on coping with remote teaching. Encourage teachers to identify and support students who show signs of stress or disengagement.
- How can schools keep students motivated? Give students space to express concerns, focus on encouragement, and promote collaboration with teachers and counselors. Motivation and structure matter more than ever during isolation.
Additionally, schools can make better use of assessment management tools in DreamClass. These features help evaluate progress and recognize productive teachers and engaged students — even from a distance.
How can schools prepare for recovery after COVID-19?
Although it may be difficult to see now, adapting to remote school management adds long-term value. Even if you have no immediate plans to fully replace traditional school operations, exploring new methods strengthens resilience.
Business continuity — and more importantly, academic progress — plays a vital role in society. By embracing remote school management during lockdowns, educational organizations protect their communities while preparing for the future.
No matter the size of your school or educational organization, DreamClass supports social distancing while keeping operations organized and stable, even during COVID-19 lockdowns.
We know how important it is to restore operations while working from home.
Why not give DreamClass a try?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
about managing schools from home during COVID-19
Can schools really manage daily operations from home during COVID-19?
Yes. During COVID-19 lockdowns, schools can manage admissions, classes, staff coordination, payments, and reporting remotely by using a cloud-based school management system, while teaching continues through virtual classrooms.
What tools do schools need to work from home effectively?
Schools typically need a school management system for administration, virtual classroom tools for teaching, and clear communication processes to keep staff, students and families aligned during lockdowns.
How can schools support students emotionally during remote learning?
Schools can support students by maintaining regular communication, offering structure through schedules and assessments, and encouraging collaboration with teachers and counselors, to reduce stress and disengagement.
Will remote school management still be useful after COVID-19?
Yes. Many schools find that systems adopted during COVID-19 improve long-term efficiency, resilience and preparedness, even after returning to in-person operations.
