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.
Preparing for Remote Learning:
To ensure an smooth transition to remote learning, we ask families to consider the following:
- Families that need the use of board-provided technology to access remote learning are asked to complete the Technology Request Survey to communicate technology needs. Families that have devices for their students are not required to complete the survey.
- Inform the school if there have been changes to your e-mail, phone number or other contact information. This information is critical to support ongoing school/parent communication during times of remote learning. Reach out to your child's school if communication is not being received.
- Visit the Near North Passport to Learning webpage to access a variety of resources and helpful links to support remote learning including technical support, information about virtual learning platforms, and instructional resources.
- Review the Tips for Remote Learning document to learn about best practices for remote learning.
- Contact the family help desk number if you are unable to login to you NNDSB parent or student account: (705) 472-5169 (North Bay), (705) 773-7975 (Parry Sound)
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.
Remote Learning Resources:
To support meaningful access to education, alternative learning approaches must be put in place for all exempted students– for example, asynchronous online, correspondence, print, or broadcast media (i.e. TVO Learn) instruction that is based on the individual student's needs and circumstances.
The Near North Passport to Learning website also contains many resources to support families accessing both synchronous and asynchronous learning resources.
