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.

Access to Remote Learning:

To date, the Near North District School Board has provided three "transfer windows" to accommodate families'/students' requests to access remote learning.  The transfer request window for remote learning is currently closed. The most recent Elementary transfer opportunity occurred December 14-18th, with the transition commencing on January 18th - to coincide with the beginning of Term 2.

Elementary families may complete the waitlist form to indicate interest in transferring to remote learning - OR - returning to school. Transfer requests will be reviewed on a bi-weekly cycle.

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, students who have completed a synchronous learning exemption form will be provided with alternative learning opportunities in accordance with the 300-minute instructional day. Furthermore, daily attendance is still required. 

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. Students will complete and submit the assignments and assessments and continue to receive feedback from educators.