Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What will the DSBN remote learning program be like?
A. For families familiar with remote learning, it’s very similar to last year in terms of program expectations. Students will be:
- starting their day at the same time online with their teacher
- logging on, three times daily for five days a week for a full day of instruction
- participating in synchronous and asynchronous learning
- following the same curriculum as their peers who are in class
- participating in a balance of teacher-led and independent learning activities
- able to contact their teachers for help and to have questions answered
Q. Who will teach students online?
A. All remote learning teachers are qualified DSBN elementary teachers who have been specifically assigned to teach online. It is not a hybrid model.
Q. Will attendance be taken?
A. Yes. Attendance will be taken twice daily as students enter their Teams Meetings. Punctual arrival and regular attendance are essential for success”. Student absences or lates need to be reported through Safe Arrival or by calling the site school office.
Q. Are the learning hours flexible?
A. No. The schedule of the elementary remote learning program is a set schedule, just like all DSBN schools.
Q. In the past, my child was connected to their home school. Will this still happen?
A. No. This year all remote learning students will be registered at a designated site school and the connection to the Home School will not be maintained. So, for example, graduating students will receive their diploma from their site school in June.
Q. Is remote learning as good as in-person learning for all students?
A. Although remote learning served a very distinct purpose during the COVID 19 pandemic, experience tells us that it is a very challenging way for the vast majority of students to learn. With three years of data and observations, we know that extended periods of time in remote learning can have negative impacts on learning for students who struggle with initiative, attention and/or independent learning. The DSBN strongly recommends in-person learning as the best option for all students.
Q. How are students supervised to be sure they stay on task?
A. Staff are trained to provide programming that is engaging for our students. They also employ a variety of strategies to keep students positively and actively participating during synchronous instruction. However, after over three years of online learning, we know that adult supervision and assistance in the home during independent/asynchronous learning times are key to your child’s success. We can’t do it alone.
Q. What happens if my child has questions or is falling behind?
A. Your child will be able to ask questions and interact with the teacher during the synchronous learning times of the day. All teachers will have scheduled times when students will be able to reach them in real time to ensure that they receive additional support. Signing up for notifications through the learning platform (i.e., D2L, Google) is an important way of ensuring your child does not fall behind. Just like in school, parents can reach out to the teacher to discuss their child’s progress.
Q. Will my child receive a report card?
A. Yes. All students in remote learning will receive the Ontario Ministry of Education report card issued by the site school at the same time as their peers in schools.
Q. My child is on an Individualized Education Plan. Does this continue with online learning?
A. Yes. Your child’s I.E.P. will be implemented by the remote learning teacher and supported by an Learning Resource Teacher (LRT).
Q. Is the D2L platform safe? Is my family’s information private?
A. Yes, only you can enter a classroom assigned to your child with a DSBN password and login. No personal information is accessible. Privacy is important to us and protected in exactly the same way as it is at all DSBN schools. Students and parents must also agree to maintain the privacy of their peers while engaging in online learning.
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