On Thursday March 12, 2020 the Ontario Government ordered all publicly funded schools to be closed for two weeks following the March Break due to the COVID-19 pandemic. During this two week closure (March 23 - April 3) the Government announced a Learn at Home program and as part of 'Phase One' they shared a digital platform of learning activities for students. During Phase One teachers engaged in a 'Check and Connect' with students, parents and guardians, to say hello and establish any technology need(s). Then the closure was extended to May 1, 2020. During 'Phase Two' (April 6 - May 1) of Learn at Home, school boards are trying to get devices and wi-fi to students, and teachers are expected to design and lead a 'Distance Learning' program.

What is Distance Learning?

In its simplest form, distance learning could mean students learning at home by completing activities and assignments shared by a teacher. If I had to define distance learning from what I have read on Twitter and or heard on the news, then one would likely conclude that distance learning means online learning. The key here is in understanding how teachers can share a program with students and how teachers design a program that is equitable and based on Ministry of Education guidelines. As the eternal optimist I would like to believe that a distance learning program can be designed to meet the needs of every student, but this is not the case for many reasons. I would like to share some ed tech tips and resources that may support Distance Learning.