Virtual Program Logistics
Because Westfield programs are virtual, our students have the opportunity to learn and compete with peers from around the corner and around the globe. Ours is a community diverse in geography and viewpoints, but united in our commitment to excellence, respectful discourse, and individualized attention which provides each student the tools needed to grow into a confident and accomplished orator.
Virtual learning is nothing new for us
Westfield has been offering online debate courses to students around the world for years.
In the past few years, we built on that experience:
Running fully virtual and highly successful Summer Programs in 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024
Offering weekly debate and Model UN classes as well as over 50 virtual enrichment classes
Hosting one of the first virtual parliamentary debate tournaments with over 150 participants from 5 countries
How Summer Programs Will Work
Westfield Academy Virtual Campus
Westfield has its own easy-to-navigate virtual campus which can be accessed from the ‘Virtual Campus’ navigation link at the top of each page of this website. It is built on a Zoom platform which will be familiar to many of you. Although it is an intuitive platform, you will receive an in-depth Technology Summer Program Guide once you register. There will also be an optional opportunity to attend a tech check in the days leading up to the program. More information about the date and time of this event will be sent to all registered students.
Engagement
Once the program begins, students will be fully engaged. With the exception of making sure our younger students can log into the Zoom call, parents do not need to plan to be involved in the program. Obviously, given the fact that we will be virtual, we cannot ensure the physical safety of your children during program hours. Please be sure to give us multiple ways to contact you indicating which we should try first so we can reach out to you if we see that your child needs any help during program hours.
Cameras, Action
Participants are expected to keep their video on during the program. At no point will students ever need to close the Zoom call; it is critical to the effective running of the program that students keep the Zoom call open for the duration of each day’s program. This allows the Staff to effectively and efficiently move students to where they need to be virtually. During breaks, students are free to socialize with other students (or mute themselves and turn off their video if they’d rather), but they should not end the call.
Virtual Security Measures
We are taking all possible steps to ensure that the Zoom call used for the Westfield Virtual Summer Program is safe and secure. We are encrypting all audiovisual information processed by Zoom using an industry-standard Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) 256-bit algorithm. Additionally, as all participants are joining the call, they will be placed into a digital “waiting room,” from which they must be admitted into the main Zoom call by the Summer Program Staff. We are also tightly limiting access to the online code that will be used to join the Zoom meeting to only registered students, their families and staff. We have and will continue to follow all security procedures and guidelines published by Zoom.
Technology Requirements
In order to effectively participate in this program, students will need:
Access to a charged computer or device with video and audio capabilities. Students cannot use a cell phone as their main device because it must be available as a back-up should they encounter a technological difficulty during a debate.
Reliable, high speed internet for the entire length of the program. Suggested bandwidth is 8 Mbps or greater download and 1.5 Mbps upload (check your speed on fast.com); note, slower speeds may require temporarily reducing streaming/internet use elsewhere in your household.
Headphones or a microphone. This is important to make sure students can be heard.
To make sure their device is adequately charged for the duration of the program.
The ability to connect with their partners when prepping for debates or with their fellow delegates during MUN simulations. The easiest option is to use a cell phone for this. Students can mute the Zoom “room” while working with the other students. (For further details on this, please see the Technology Summer Program Guide.) If the student does not have a cell phone or cannot borrow a family member’s phone, they should figure out another way they can connect with other students outside of the Zoom room. Possibilities include Google Meet, Google Hangouts, or WeChat.