Luxury Disney World Resort Offers Remote Learning Experience

Category: Education/Family

Listening

Unlocking Word Meanings

Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.

  1. venue / ˈvɛn yu / (n) – a place where an event is held
    Example:

    They booked a wedding venue that has a big garden and a pond.


  2. dub / dʌb / (v) – to give someone or something a particular name
    Example:

    Japan has been dubbed as the “Land of the Rising Sun.”


  3. unwind / ʌnˈwaɪnd / (v) – to take a break or relax
    Example:

    He went to the beach to unwind.


  4. amenity / əˈmɛn ɪ ti / (n) – a feature, service, or activity offered by a hotel, resort, etc. that provides comfort and entertainment
    Example:

    Some of the hotel’s amenities include a gym and business center.


  5. mixology / mɪkˈsɒl ə dʒi / (n) – the art of making cocktails and drinks
    Example:

    The bar owner is looking for someone who has experience in mixology.


Article

Read the text below.

The Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World is offering remote study sessions and learning venues for students.


Dubbed as “schoolcation,” the resort’s new offering allows children to attend virtual classes from its dedicated learning space. It is available on weekdays and costs $50 for a half-day session or $100 for a full-day session. Half-day sessions are mostly dedicated to online learning, while full-day sessions include an optional enrichment period for art and physical education that takes place in the afternoon.


The study sessions will be supervised by the staff of the resort’s Kids For All Seasons program. In this program, children can enjoy a variety of activities during their stay at the resort. The sessions are held in the resort’s airy and spacious event rooms. Each accommodates a maximum of six students and has physically distanced desks.


Once all the school activities are completed, kids can engage in water activities or play sports such as volleyball, basketball, and table tennis at the resort’s Explorer Island water park.


The “schoolcation” package also gives parents a chance to unwind or work remotely while their children are studying. The resort has several adult-friendly amenities, including a spa, hair salon, fitness center, relaxation lounges, and mixology classes.


According to the resort’s general manager, Thomas Steinhauer, both parents and kids will benefit from a “schoolcation.” He believes that combining schoolwork with fun activities will give children long-lasting memories.


Viewpoint Discussion

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.

Discussion A

• Do you think “schoolcation” is a good idea? Why or why not?
• What are some ways to balance children’s school and play (e.g. limit the amount of homework)? Discuss.

Discussion B

• Do you think remote learning will continue over the next few years? Why or why not?
• What else can be done to make remote learning enjoyable for students (e.g. schedule virtual field trips)? Discuss.