eLearning is the process by which students complete work to earn credit when they will not be at school. eLearning days are very similar to normal school days with the primary difference being the delivery of assignments and instruction. During a time of eLearning, assignments and instruction are completed by distance. Most often, eLearning is online (virtual).
We have a standard eLearning option that has been used for the past few years in our school system, and this is considered Level 1 eLearning. This instance of eLearning is typically reserved for students who make individual requests to a school administrator to use eLearning days for personal, medical or family reasons on a case-by-case basis.
For circumstances that are outside our normal parameters, we have the ability to use short-term eLearning for a period of time. In this instance, physical schools will be closed. However, teachers and staff will be on campus to provide support remotely as students work from home. Student assignments under Level 2 will be focused on review work. No new instruction or material will be introduced to students.
For exceptional circumstances that are outside our normal parameters, such as we are experiencing with coronavirus (COVID-19), we will use long-term eLearning. Under Level 3, schools are closed and long-term eLearning begins. Teachers are available for remote student support. However, the main difference is the scope of work and the nature of student assignments. New material may be introduced and active virtual instruction may be delivered. In this instance, the classroom is more similar to a true virtual/online classroom with live and recorded lessons.
Teacher to student/parent communication will be critical under any eLearning scenario. Teachers will provide consistent, clear and regular communications to parents/students. Teachers will be available to support and assist students and parents during virtual office hours through email, messaging and two-way, live digital communication platforms (such as FaceTime, Zoom, Skype or other). Teacher email addresses are located on each school's website directory and on each teacher's webpage.
Throughout the school year, when we are not using eLearning, our teachers and students use Learning Management Systems (LMS) to assign student work on a regular basis. An LMS is basically an online classroom platform that is used in a typical ACS school/classroom experience. The most commonly used in our system are Canvas, Google Classroom and SeeSaw. During a time of eLearning, students can access their teacher's LMS from home online. Your teacher will provide guidance and direction on platforms, account sign-in information and more.
Students/families may choose to have paper assignments and resources sent home for eLearning on a case-by-case basis. To discuss this option, please contact your child's homeroom teacher or your school principal.