Students have been out of school since March 13 because of the COVID-19 pandemic, and in an effort to help save the school year, online learning started last week.
It has been a learning curve for teachers, parents and students figuring out what resources families have available, the technology needed for students to be successful and finally, figuring out entirely new technologies and apps to make online learning possible.
For one Bayside Secondary School grade 9 student, so far the whole thing has been pretty painless.
Regan Fournier says she has to do at least three hours of work per course each week. She has gym, art, French and math this semester and says it isn’t as hard to figure out as she thought it would be.
Fournier did have some prior use of Google Classroom before the COVID-19 pandemic shuttered schools last month.
On the opposite side, it hasn’t been as easy for one parent, as she has four school-aged children; three in kindergarten and one in grade 7 who has a learning disability.
Christy Fulford is currently working from home while also trying to make sure her kids don’t lose their school year.
She says her children’s teachers have said their work isn’t mandatory, which still leaves the challenge of helping her son learn.
Fulford did say the communication with both teachers has been great when it comes to explanations and support for her, but she says if other parents aren’t receiving that same kind of instruction or support it may make an already difficult situation even harder.
Savannah Mumby is a grade 10 student at St. Theresa Catholic Secondary School and says she didn’t have much experience with online learning prior to this but says it has been fairly easy to navigate. She has math, English, civics and careers, and religion this semester.
She says her teachers have been very responsive if she has a question and very good at explaining things.
Overall, Savannah says she is managing to do it but she would much rather be in a classroom with a teacher, but given the circumstances “you have to do what you have to do”.
Her mother Kim told Quinte News that in trying to help her children with their work, it has been a learning experience for her as well.
Kim was able to take a couple of weeks off work to help get her children get into a routine with online learning, and says it has been quite an adjustment as she has two other children, one in grade 2 and one in grade 4.
When asked how she feels about online learning, Kim says she feels the large group atmosphere and working with their peers is where students learn best, and full-time online learning would be a challenge, but she is glad it is an option available to parents and students given the circumstances.
Kim says the kids definitely miss going to school and seeing their peers right now, but says the teachers have put a lot of work in on their end.
Premier Doug Ford confirmed on Tuesday, April 14, that schools will not be returning on May 4th.
