Learn@Home Resources

This page is intended for families who select the remote learning option for their child(ren).  It's important to note, the first point of contact for students (and families) involved in remote learning should always be their classroom teacher and/or their child(ren)’s school. Information below is intended to provide additional information beyond what would be provided/available by the teacher.

As we prepare for the 2021-2022 school year, we asked elementary school families to make an important decision about their child(ren)’s learning mode for September 2021. On Monday, May 17, elementary school families received a survey via email regarding enrolling their child(ren) in the Learn@Home program.

The Elementary Learning Mode survey is now closed. New requests or changes to 2021-2022 Learning Mode for September 2021 are not being accepted. Families who did not submit a request for Learn@Home and any new registrations will begin the 2021-2022 school year as an in-person learner. Requests for asynchronous learning with your child’s in-school teacher should be made through the school when offices reopen on the week of August 30, 2021. 

 

What to expect in the Learn@Home program

  • Students may be clustered in classes from multiple schools. 
  • Students will remain attached to their home school for academic supports.
  • Student attendance will be taken daily.
  • Students may move between remote learning and in-person learning at the natural term transition time at the end of Term 1 in February 2022, where space exists.
  • Students will be provided with a daily schedule of subjects/courses according to a five-hour instructional day.
  • Student learning will be based on overall expectations across all subjects/courses and grades, and will include opportunities for guided instruction, large and small-group learning, synchronous check-ins and asynchronous independent work.
  • Students in Grades 1-8 are expected to participate in 225 minutes of synchronous learning daily.
  • Students in Kindergarten are expected to participate in 180 minutes of synchronous learning daily.
  • Synchronous learning time may include students working independently and in small groups while engaged in a virtual classroom with the teacher overseeing their learning and available for questions.
  • Students will be able to meet with educators, as required, to address specific learning needs. 
  • Students who do not have access to a learning device or Internet will be provided with access to technology. Distribution of technology will be facilitated by the school at the beginning of the school year.
  • Students will access Google Classroom as their synchronous learning platform.

Frequently asked questions

What does learning look like if I choose remote learning for my child?

Students in the remote learning program are placed in a virtual class. Students access Google Classroom or Brightspace Desire2Learn(D2L) as their learning platform. New students are contacted by the teacher of their virtual class, welcomed into the class and then provided with a combination of synchronous and asynchronous instruction throughout the school day as if they were physically in class.

The Simcoe County District School Board will follow the Ministry of Education’s direction as outlined in the policy document.  

What is synchronous learning?

The Ministry of Education defines synchronous learning as follows:

Learning that happens in real time. Synchronous learning involves using text, video, or voice communication in a way that enables educators and other members of the school- or board-based team to instruct and connect with students in real time. Synchronous learning supports the well-being and academic achievement of all students, including students with special education needs, by providing educators and students with an interactive and engaging way to learn. It helps teachers provide immediate feedback to students and enables students to interact with one another.

How much instruction is provided synchronously during the day?

Students enrolled in remote learning are provided with a combination of guided instruction, large group, small group, synchronous check-ins and asynchronous independent work. Similar to their regular school day, students are expected to be online and engaged in learning for the duration of the school day.

How long is the school day?
Daily minimum synchronous learning requirements have been set by the Ministry of Education. The synchronous learning time requirements may be divided into shorter periods throughout the school day. The daily minimum requirement for synchronous learning varies by grade level and is as follows:

Kindergarten: 180 minutes 
Grades 1 – 3: 225 minutes
Grades 4 – 8: 225 minutes
Grades 9 – 12: 60 minutes for each 75-minute course
What happens if a student is having difficulty with remote learning?

The first point of contact for a student/family is always the classroom teacher. If the student has an Individual Education Plan (IEP), they may also contact the special education resource teacher (SERT) responsible for their child’s IEP. 

What form or amount of communication should I expect during remote learning?

Teachers are expected to communicate daily with all students in their class as part of synchronous learning. As well, similar to regular in-person instruction, teachers are expected to maintain regular communication with families in order to ensure they are well informed of expectations and/or challenges that may arise. It is a good idea for families to set up an introductory meeting with their child’s remote learning teacher, as they would with any teacher in their child’s school, as the need arises.

My child has SEA equipment to support their learning. Will they be able to use it at home during this time and what happens if it needs repair?

Similar to Spring 2020, students with special education needs that have SEA equipment (e.g. laptop computer) continue to be able to take the equipment home to complete their school work. If the device requires repair, families are asked to contact their child’s school and arrange for it to be serviced by the school.

How is attendance taken in remote learning and who do I inform if my child is going to be absent (e.g. illness/appointment)?

Similar to in-person school, teachers are required to take attendance daily. Families should inform their teacher(s) if their child(ren) is going to be absent for any reason.

My child doesn’t have a computer to access remote learning. Is it possible to get one from the school?

Yes. Families have been surveyed about their device and Internet needs and should work with their respective home school to arrange for technology support if it is needed.

Will my child’s work be evaluated and will the marks count the same as if they were in school in person?

Yes. Teachers will be evaluating the work completed by students remotely, and those grades/credits will be reported on the student’s report card/transcript.

Can my child switch between in-person learning and the Learn@Home program?

Students who wish to move between in-person learning and the Learn@Home program may do so at the natural term transition time, which is February 2021. At this time, enrolment in the Learn@Home program has closed and classes have been established. 

In an effort to support students who wish to come out of in-person learning, and those who are required to remain at home as a result of self-isolation due to COVID-19, all SCDSB in-school teachers are required to maintain digital learning platforms to ensure the continuity of learning for their students. Students may access classroom material and submit assignments on the digital platform assigned, either Google classroom or Desire2Learn (D2L).

Parents/guardians must notify their child’s classroom teacher and the school principal if they wish to remain at home. The classroom teacher will provide specific instructions for accessing the digital platform assigned and there will be standard expectations for the submission of assignments.

Contact us for remote learning support

*Student's full name

*Student's school

*Parent/guardian's full name

*Email where you can be contacted 

*Parent/guardian's phone number

*Please provide a full description of your request.



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