What is the process for families who choose remote learning and either do not have internet access and/or choose not to utilize that form of technology? What will interactions with school/teacher and feedback look like for these students?
Interactions with teachers will be through the phone and through learning packages. Synchronous learning for elementary students will be up to 300 minutes a day, through whole-class, small group, and individual sessions. Secondary students will be timetabled in eLearning classes, have online learning offered through a teacher, and/or be timetabled in an Alternative Education setting depending on the grade/courses/method of learning (online or paper) chosen.
When can parents/guardians expect to see more details on what a remote learning school day will look like?
The Ministry of Education released PPM 164 in late August: http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/extra/eng/ppm/164.html. This information has been added to the plan. For students in Kindergarten, the minimum for synchronous learning is 180 minutes/day; for students in Grades 1 to 8, it is 225 minutes/day. For secondary students, the requirement is at least 60 minutes/course or if in a quadmester, 120 minutes/course.
How will Second Language programming be offered and/or impacted for in-person and remote learning?
We are providing Second Language programming for each school and then for students attending remotely. There should not be any change in delivery method for students attending in person this year aside from teachers moving from classroom to classroom wherever possible to restrict movement in hallways.
Who will be teaching distance learning? Are in class teachers expected to facilitate distance learning, as well?
We have RRDSB teachers provide distance learning. These designated teachers will work within various school locations within the Board. We will not be having our classroom teachers provide both in class and distance learning at the same time.
If my child is unwell, can they participate in distance learning while they remain at home?
If your child is unwell, they are to stay home from school. However, we have asked that teachers set up both a physical classroom this year, as well as a virtual classroom. Not only will this help us to pivot to fully remote learning, should public health dictate that a change in learning model is required, but it will also help students to stay connected by accessing activities and assignments, if they away from their classroom for a short time. Please contact your child’s teacher for more information and encourage your child, if in Gr. 7 or higher, to remember to bring their Chromebook to and from school daily in case of these instances.
What will remote learning look like?
The remote learning planned for 2020-21 is much different than the emergency learning measures put in place this past spring. Remote learning will involve daily synchronous lessons, with students attending whole group, as well as small group and individual learning activities in all curriculum areas.
Students who opt-out of in class learning will receive instruction remotely at home and will receive both RealTime (live) learning and FlexTime (independent) learning during this period. The program is intended to cover a similar amount of time that students would usually spend in the classroom learning and doing independent work with their teacher.
Will remote learning be the same as in-person learning?
It is important to understand that remote learning will not be the same as in-person learning but will be scheduled in a predictable manner and involve daily real-time opportunities. We aim to ensure students can learn the required curriculum expectations and engage in learning with a teacher and other students through a variety of virtual platforms in a structured format. The expectation of students engaging in remote learning will be that they are online and present. The full Ontario curriculum will be taught and based on their grade; students will attend for most of the day online, synchronously.
Will online courses affect student honor roll status?
If students are learning remotely or in person, they will have the same opportunities to work on their assignments and advance their achievement.
Will my child be able to participate in remote learning with students and teachers from their home school? Will they be provided with opportunities to take part within their school community? Will there be opportunities for them to create bonds and communicate with other students?
Students engaging in remote learning may not be able to participate with students and teachers from their own school. We have a separate remote learning school this year, with staff and students from across the District becoming a separate virtual school community. Students will have opportunities to get to know students within their virtual classes, working with them and learning alongside them, throughout the year.
Will remote learners be required to participate in the National Anthem?
We are looking at how to structure the virtual school day and this may be included.
How will exams work in remote working?
Secondary students will not have exams this year, but culminating activities only. This is for both remote and in person classes. Growing Success, the Ministry of Education assessment, evaluation and reporting policy document, requires that secondary students have a final evaluation of 30%, which may include an examination.
What is the platform being used for remote learning?
All classes are using Google Classroom Suite, which includes Google Meet.
For senior students enrolled in an eLearning course, they will be using Brightspace/D2L.
What do we need to provide for remote learning?
We have provided Chromebooks (or iPads in Kindergarten) for each child and any school resources (e.g., textbook) needed.
When does Remote Learning start?
Monday, September 14 will be the first day for Remote Learning students.
With students taking their courses through a distance model, how much time will we expect the teacher to be “live” through Google Meet?
High School teachers will be, at minimum, 120 minutes or two hours of synchronous teaching and learning per course.
Will a Distance Learning or Remote Learning plan/curriculum outline be released before school starts?
You will be contacted prior to September 14, to be provided with updated information on the daily schedule for your child when attending Remote Learning. Should you not be contacted by this date or if you have any questions or concerns, please contact Brad Gascoigne, Principal of the Virtual Learning School, at 807-597-2703.
As a staff member providing Remote Learning, can I use an online reading platform rather than send home books to my students?
Please use only the Board-purchased software and applications as free applications may be prohibited due to privacy concerns. If you want to use a certain software application, please complete a Privacy Impact Assessment and submit to Sherri Belluz, Privacy Officer ([email protected]) so that we may investigate this option further.
Will technology be provided to my child if they are learning from home (remote learning)?
Yes, a Chromebook (Gr. 1-12) will be provided or an iPad (for Kindergarten students). As well, if you struggle with reliable internet, we may be able to assist with a tethering device or hub. Please contact Brad Gascoigne, Principal, at 807-597-2703 for more information.
Will secondary students staying home have access to their original course selection or will they need to choose new courses from a subset?
Unfortunately, we are limited in what courses, especially in the specialized subjects that we can offer through our virtual high school. There will be little choice offered for students attending remotely and the schedule will look different in that it will be a quadmester (with students attending only two classes for each half of the semester).
How will tests be proctored for students learning from home? Tests will not be proctored. Staff should look at other ways to assess student learning, aside from tests.