Remote Learning:

Remote learning: Learning that occurs when classes are taught at a distance and when students and educators are not in a conventional classroom setting. Remote learning takes place in times of extended interruption to in-person learning – for example, as a result of a pandemic or natural disaster. Classes can be synchronous or asynchronous and can be taught online through a Learning Management System (LMS) or by using videoconferencing tools. In some cases, they may be delivered through emails, print materials, broadcast media, or telephone calls.

Please refer to Policy/Program Memorandum No. 164) for more information about Remote Learning, 'synchronous' learning and 'asynchronous' learning.

Minimum Requirements for Engaging Students during Remote Learning:

During a remote learning period, students and parents will be provided with a daily schedule or timetable that includes 300 minutes of learning opportunities, with a combination of synchronous and asynchronous learning activities. Programming will be based on the full Ontario curriculum and include opportunities for guided instruction, large and small-group learning, synchronous check-ins, and asynchronous independent work.

Division	Grade Level of Students	Daily Minimum Synchronous Learning Time Requirement
Elementary	Kindergarten	180 minutes
	Grades 1 to 3	225 minutes
	Grades 4 to 8	225 minutes
Secondary	Grades 9 to 12	The higher of 60 minutes for each 75-minute class period** or 225 minutes per day for a full course schedule

Teachers will be available to students at all times during the teachers' assigned teaching timetables, as they would be if they were face-to-face in a classroom setting. Educators have been directed to use their professional judgement to provide some flexibility to students on an individual basis when students are unable to participate in synchronous learning.

Process for Exemption from Synchronous Learning:

To ensure equitable access to learning, Policy/Program Memorandum (PPM) No. 164, requires school boards to allow students to be exempted from the minimum requirements for synchronous learning - for example, this may be because of poor internet connectivity or family scheduling, etc. 

In accordance with PPM 164, the Near North District School Board has created an online Exemption Form to facilitate synchronous learning exemption requests.

Please note, exempted students will continue to be expected to participate in learning (in accordance with the 300-minute instructional day), complete assignments, and connect with educators to confirm daily attendance.

While an exemption from synchronous (live, interactive) learning may offer some flexibility to individual students, it also requires an increase in the number of asynchronous (independent) minutes in which each exempted student/family engages daily. This may involve watching pre-recorded video lessons, completing assigned tasks, or contributing to online discussion boards. In some cases, access to asynchronous (independent) learning opportunities may be delivered through emails, non-digital materials, broadcast media, or telephone calls.

Assessment, evaluation and reporting continues to apply to all students who have been approved for an exemption from the minimum requirements of synchronous (live, interactive) learning. Exempted students are required to maintain communication with their classroom teacher, complete and submit assignments and will receive feedback related to learning progress.