The experience of learning online through the COVID-19 pandemic shutdown showed the global education community that being an online learner can come with its own set of advantages, challenges and possibilities. In this video, your Toronto Catholic Student Trustees reflect on their COVID-19 online learning experience and provide insight into their own mindset when it comes to being an online learner.

Take an opportunity to reflect on what Keith and Kathy have shared about their remote online learning experience. What did you learn from their sharing?

Using Google Docs or a notebook, journal your thoughts and think about what you liked and/or disliked about remote learning from March 13 to the end of June. These thoughts will be revisited later on in this topic.

Looking ahead to the official start of classes next week and the need to be adaptive, teachers will be using either Google Classroom or Brightspace by D2L.

Through either platform, teachers will deliver both synchronous (real time) and asynchronous (not real time) instruction with the goal to provide meaningful opportunities for learning. You may find that you are participating in live teacher led instruction, online discussion boards, large group chats and more.

Take the opportunity to review both learning platforms in preparation of the week ahead. Because teachers will choosing either Brightspace by D2L or Google Classroom. So, it is a good idea to take some time to review both learning platforms.

Now that you have a deeper understanding of the virtual learning platforms, had an opportunity to listen to your peers and have reflected on setting agreements for online classes, please complete the following.

Using the Show What You Know Student Choice Board below, brainstorm ideas for a social agreement that can be established at the beginning of classes next week. The goal is to highlight key words and/or ideas that will guide what will be a positive online learning experience for you, your peers and your teacher.

Be prepared to share your ideas with with your teacher and peers as formal classes begin next week.

1. Use a visual schedule, visual supports, and the first-then strategy to assist with organizing the day.

2. Support written text with visuals (pictures).

3. Check for understanding by asking your child to repeat instructions.

4. Give breaks when needed. Space activities during the day to provide for optimal participation. Use a visual timer to assist with task completion.

5. Use the Google Read and Write extension to have text read aloud or write for you.