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Parents » In-Class / Remote & Virtual Learning

In-Class / Remote & Virtual Learning

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS 
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The new hybrid model blends face-to-face learners with virtual learners in the same class with the same school classroom teacher. Students currently in the JK-8 Virtual school will be reassigned to their regular school and classroom. For example, if a classroom has 25 students, there may be 20 students learning face-to-face, and 5 students learning virtually.
 
Health and safety, continued learning, flexibility/fluidity/transitions, building capacity, well-being, relationships, consistency and fiscal responsibility are the eight areas supporting the transition to the Hybrid Home Model which you can review by clicking here.
There is the possibility that your child’s class will be changed, which could include a new teacher, changes to classmates and/or a physical change of space (for in-class learners). All current virtual students will have a new teacher as they will transition to being registered at their regular school.

As of November 17th, there will be a significant restructuring of classes throughout the Board, regardless of the move to the hybrid model. This restructuring is happening so that we can accommodate the 319 requests to switch modes of learning. Moving to the hybrid model will provide stability until the end of June so that we don’t have to restructure classes again in January and April.
  • Students will have deeper connections with their home school and opportunity to develop relationships with their teachers and classmates
  • Consistency and continuity of learning for all students regardless of whether they are learning face-to-face or virtually
  • Greater opportunities to adjust class sizes for increased physical distancing in classrooms
  • Ability to accommodate parent requests to switch from virtual to face-to-face and vice-versa
  • Smoother transition with no wait time for students who move from face-to-face to remote learning or vice-versa throughout the school year
  • Less disruption as there will be one restructuring on November 17th, so the January and April re-entry dates and subsequent reorganizations will no longer be required.
  • Students with special education needs will have better access to school-based support.
  • Ability to quickly pivot if the Board is required to move to a partial or full closure due to rising COVID cases.
Yes. Moving to a hybrid model will help schools deliver special education services and has many benefits including:
  • Increased ability to collaborate efficiently in the development of comprehensive Individual Education Plans (IEPs)
  • Effective communication is essential in supporting students with special education needs. School-based special education teams can leverage existing relationships with parents as they develop and execute IEP goals. The current virtual school model created barriers to this communication pathway.
  • Referrals to special education services are facilitated by the school-based special education team. This includes academic screening, assessments, school-based rehabilitation services, assistive technology training, hearing and vision supports and SEA claims. With all virtual students being reassigned to their home school, these referrals can be completed effectively and in a timely manner.
  • Students with exceptionalities need to have their Identification and Placement (IPRC) completed each year. All pertinent information for students is stored in their Ontario Student Record (OSR) in their home school. With all virtual students being reassigned to their home school, school based IPRC teams can complete these reviews effectively without the need to liaise with virtual school staff.
  • In the current virtual school model, the teachers often had to consult Special Education Resource Teachers (SERTs) from multiple school sites. In the hybrid model, teachers will have one point of contact for their entire class.
There will no longer be an ADSB JK-8 Virtual School as all of these students will be assigned to classrooms in their regular school through a reorganization on November 17th. For example, if a classroom has 25 students, there may be 20 students learning face-to-face, and 5 students learning virtually.
 
For the face-to-face learners, the school day will look the same as now, and for virtual students, the amount of access to real-time connection (messaging, audio, video) with the teacher will remain the same:
Option A: Fully Synchronous
▪ Kindergarten: 180 minutes of synchronous/120 minutes of asynchronous learning
▪ Grades 1-8: 225 minutes of synchronous/75 minutes of asynchronous learning
*Please Note: Families will still have the ability to request an exemption from synchronous learning and will be supported by the classroom teacher at the regular school.
 
Virtual learners will continue to have real-time instruction via Microsoft Teams and will be watching a “live stream” as the classroom teacher facilitates direct instruction with the face-to-face students.
Instructional time will include:
  • The classroom teacher instructing all students (both face-to-face and virtual, using a variety of technologies) at the same time;
  • The classroom teacher working with small groups (both in the classroom and online); and
  • Students working independently.

All students (both in-class and virtual) will also access online material and resources through their Edsby account.

In the hybrid model, the classroom will include both face-to-face students and virtual learners. All students, regardless of how they are learning, will be taught by the same classroom teacher. For example, if there are 25 students in the class, 20 may be doing face-to-face learning, while 5 are learning virtually.
 
Class sizes, or the number of students the teacher is teaching, will not necessarily be smaller. However, the number of students who are physically in the classroom will fluctuate throughout the year depending on how many students are learning virtually versus face-to-face. We anticipate that there will be greater opportunities for physical distancing under the hybrid home model as the class total includes both face-to-face and virtual learners.
Yes. Other school boards in Ontario have already successfully moved away from a virtual school model in favour of a hybrid model and others are also considering moving in a similar direction.
Edsby will continue to be the platform for all of our students and Microsoft Teams will be the video, audio and text conferencing tool for our virtual learning students. These tools provide a secure meeting place and are easily accessible for students.
We understand that some students may not have access to devices for virtual learning. We will continue to work on securing additional technology resources to support students/families. However, it is important to note that a global supply shortage of technological devices is resulting in some delays with procurement and delivery.
Yes any student can access virtual learning as this is one of the benefits of the hybrid model. This model provides the flexibility to easily move between face-to-face and virtual learning.
If your child cannot attend school (e.g. due to COVID-19 symptoms or a requirement to self-isolate), but is still able to participate in classroom learning, your child may login virtually and continue learning from home.
Face-to-face and virtual students will be using Edsby and Microsoft Teams to connect with the teacher and other classmates, as well as using technology to complete classwork.
The privacy of students and staff is a key priority. We will be making changes to our Acceptable Use Guidelines for Technologies and Resources and privacy policies to reflect changes related to the new hybrid model. Expectations for students, staff and families will be clearly defined and communicated prior to November 17th.
 
If a student will not be attending school, parents/guardians must still contact the school to let the office know of the absence. Regardless of how the student is learning (face-to-face or virtual), the school must still be notified in order to ensure safe arrival and maintain attendance records.
The hybrid model makes it easier to transition from one mode of learning to another; however, we are still asking that families make a firm commitment to either face-to-face or virtual learning for their child.
We know that students learn best in the classroom with their teacher and fellow classmates, but we also recognize that there are circumstances where it may not be possible to attend school face-to-face.
Should you need to change between face-to-face and virtual learning, please contact the Principal at the school at which your child is registered.