The COVID-19 pandemic has altered how we approach teaching and learning in Ontario.
It has given staff the opportunity to look beyond the classroom, school, and district to connect with other professionals to gain insights on how to manage education during these unprecedented times.
Through a social media network specific to Teachers for Deaf and Hard of Hearing students, Sir James Whitney School for the Deaf teacher Jadine Reynolds was invited to participate in a digital International Deaf Social inspired by Megan Pender of North Carolina, USA.
With parental consent, six students (Grades 5-12) along with residence staff, Robert Bhola, and teacher, Jadine Reynolds, embarked on a journey of connecting with others on a global platform.
The group met twice weekly to engage in cooperative games and inquisitive discussions learning from one another.
Staff and students from the United Kingdom, Panama, Ontario, and twelve different states participated in this unique opportunity. Discussions on currency, geographical locations, and language differences between American Sign Language (Canada vs USA) and British Sign Language (BSL) were highlights of staff and students.
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