Remote Learning FAQs
1. What are the plans for remote learning going forward?
The Remote Learning Guidelines were developed with three phases in mind:
- Phase 1 - Home Learning (March - June, 2020)
- Phase 2 - Remote Learning for up to two weeks of school/class closures (circuit breaker)
- Phase 3 - Remote Learning, longer term
On January 19, 2022 we will be transitioning to Phase 3.
2. How will things be different with the extension of remote learning into the third week?
As we move into Phase 3 of remote learning, the guidelines provide expectations for students’ daily schedules. There is also guidance on the balance between real-time (synchronous) and self-paced (asynchronous) learning, and the importance of keeping students engaged.
3. How do you decide on how much time students spend online?
Guidelines are based on CDC, WHO and the American and Canadian Pediatrics Association recommendations for screen time for the age groups. There continues to be new research in this area. Guidelines will be updated accordingly.
4. How will teachers keep students engaged as remote learning continues?
Remote learning fatigue is a concern and engagement is extremely important to the ongoing success of remote learning. Your child’s teacher(s) will provide real-time sessions throughout the day to keep students engaged in their learning.
5. How will I know when a real-time session will be offered by my child’s teacher?
In grades 7-12 your child's daily schedule for each subject will be the same as it is when they are in school. Some parts of the lesson will be in real-time and some will be self-paced. Not all learning tasks will be on-screen.
In Kindergarten through grade 6, your child’s teacher will provide a schedule of the daily routine.
6. What are the guidelines for Kindergarten?
Students will have 60-80 minutes of daily learning time. Learning sessions will be limited to 15-20 minutes in length with approximately 4-5 sessions per day.To help you plan for your child’s learning, a regular schedule will be followed wherever possible.
7. What are the guidelines for grades 1-6?
Students will have 2.5 hours of daily learning time. To help you plan for your child’s learning, a regular schedule will be followed wherever possible.
8. What are the guidelines for grades 7-9?
Students will follow their regular class schedule with a combination of real-time and self-paced learning for each 60 minute block.
Daily real-time sessions will be provided. This is very important as it helps keep students engaged and lets them interact with their teachers and classmates.
9. What are the guidelines for grades 10-12?
Students will follow their regular class schedule with a combination of synchronous and asynchronous learning for each 75 minute block.
Daily real-time sessions will be provided. This is very important as it helps keep students engaged and lets them interact with their teachers and classmates.
10. What are the expectations for homework?
To limit screen time, students should be able to complete their learning tasks within their daily schedule.
11. Some other provinces have more remote learning time. Why is PEI different?
PEI has a longstanding tradition of using research and best practices to inform our education policy decisions.
Our scan of what other provinces are doing indicates that we have similar expectations for remote learning with seven of the nine other provinces. Remote learning is a new area of research and we will continue to update our guidelines as new evidence becomes available.
12. What is the expectation for daily, real-time sessions with my child’s teacher?
In Phase 3, which starts Wednesday, January 19, there will be more emphasis on real-time learning.
Teachers will continue to provide both real-time and self-paced learning.This combination will allow teachers to work with some students in small groups and individually, while others are working independently.
13. If we are in Phase 3 for a long period of time, will my child miss out on a lot of learning time?
The DELL made changes to the curriculum in 2020 to make sure we are focusing on the most important outcomes. Many of these changes are still in place for this school year. Unlike other provinces, PEI has had very little remote learning since September of 2020.
14. What if I have concerns about what my child is learning?
If you have any questions, please reach out to your child’s teacher.
15. What if my child can’t participate in the real-time lessons?
Most of these lessons can be recorded. If your child cannot be present for real-time sessions, please let your child’s teacher know.
16. Will the decision to not have exams impact my child?
No. The final mark that your child receives will be based on their assessments throughout the semester, including during remote learning. This final mark will go on your child’s transcript.
17. What types of assessments will my child do during remote learning?
Students might be asked to do a number of different tasks. Some examples include written work, drawings, video presentations, projects, problems, and/or answering questions. Students may be asked to send their work (or photographs of their work if it was not done on a computer) to the teacher through their Google Classroom, or by email. Older students might have “tests” to complete on Google Forms or another platform chosen by the teacher.
18. Some documents refer to synchronous and asynchronous learning, what does that mean?
Synchronous learning refers to real-time instruction that requires students and teachers to be online at the same time.
Asynchronous refers to self-paced learning where teachers provide materials that students can work on at any time.
19. What if I don’t have the technology or internet access needed for online learning?
If you do not have access to technology or internet access, please contact your teacher who will provide options for you.
20. What is being offered for children with special needs?
Respite programs are available at every school for students who are typically followed by an Educational Assistant (EA) or Youth Service Worker (YSW) in school.
21. Will remote learning continue when in-class learning resumes, for students who choose to remain home or for those who are required to isolate due to Covid?
Students who are required to self-isolate, as directed by CPHO, will have learning materials prepared for them to use during this period. Once CPHO deems schools to be open for in-person learning, remote learning will discontinue. Families that opt to keep their children home can apply for home schooling.
22. Are there supports for students who are struggling academically?
Yes. With limited capacity, schools are offering support programs for students who are struggling either academically or socially. Substitute teachers are being hired to assist students with their remote learning. Teachers and student services are identifying students or families who would benefit from these supports. Parents can also reach out to school administrators to register their child for the school based support program.