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JGSC is planning an eLearning/distance learning initiative for the 2019-2020 school year. Surveys sent out in the fall of 2019 showed that 85%-95% of parents/students/teachers are in favor of implementing an eLearning day. As a result of this and conversations with the Education Association and School Board, we have decided to hold a pre-planned eLearning/distance learning day on February 17, 2020. This is a scheduled snow make-up day. If we do not miss any school by February 17, 2020, school will be out of session and we will move the pre-planned eLearning day to another date.
The intention of this initiative is to develop a system to provide distance education as well as calendar flexibility. It is also an opportunity to educate our students on how to manage working from home digitally or via correspondence. It is almost a certainty that they will need to do this sort of self-directed work at a future jobs or for post-high school education.
A committee of representatives from each building have been working behind the scenes on this initiative. We will have similar expectations corporation-wide, but just as each child is different so each school and even each grade will have some different needs. There will be slight adjustments to ensure a common sense approach and ease for all. Schools and teachers will communicate specific details with you well before our pre-planned day.
Some of the general plans will be:
- Both electronic and non-electronic assignments as an alternative for students without internet access. In some cases, assignments may be entirely paper-based.
- Time on task will vary depending on the grade, class, teacher, and subject area, but typically we will plan and students should expect around the following:
Grades 3-5: 2 to 2.5 hours
Grades 6-12: 3 to 3.5 hours
- To assist with potential lack of internet and parental schedules, students will have a "grace period" to get their work turned in: it won't all be due on February 17th.
- Attendance will be based on work turned in.
- Canvas will be used as our Corporation-wide “launch pad.” At a minimum, students will log into Canvas to see their assignments, or access links to their assignments.
- Everyone will be provided with login information and login support well before our planned day.
Again, more specific details will be shared from your specific school and teacher well before our pre-planned day.
It is not our intention to compromise the quality of education that our students receive. There is no substitute for face-to-face interaction for students with teachers and peers. However, this will be a tool that we use strategically. With most of our students and staff having been using devices for many years, we believe that a planned eLearning/distance learning day can be implemented successfully and without stress. We just need to work together, plan, practice, and adjust!