Remote Learning Options Update and Information Session
Over the last two weeks, Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board (HWDSB) has begun sharing plans surrounding elementary and secondary remote learning options for the 2021-22 school year. We have also asked families and students to commit to a remote learning option through the Parent Portal by June 1, 2021.
We understand that this is an important decision and hope to address some questions regarding these learning models. The reason HWDSB is asking families and students to commit to a learning model in May 2021 is so we can have staff in place to start the school year. It is an important part of ensuring stability for student learning and well-being.
HWDSB hopes to have as many students as possible learning in person come September 2021. However, we respect our families’ and students’ decisions to choose a remote learning option. By default, students will be considered in-person learners unless this choice is selected.
MS Teams Information Session
HWDSB is hosting a virtual information session to discuss both the elementary and secondary remote learning options for the 2021-22 school year. The event will feature presentations specific to each model (elementary and secondary) that will give families an overview of what to expect if they choose a remote option. There will also be an opportunity for attendees to ask questions through the chat function.
This virtual information session will take place on Thursday, May 27, 2021 from 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. via MS Teams Live. The event will be recorded and posted to the HWDSB website for those who cannot make it.
Find a recording of the virtual information session below or view it on HWDSB.tv here.
Elementary Remote Learning (Dual-Track)
Elementary remote learning in 2021-22 will be housed in physical schools as part of a dual-track model. This is not a “hybrid school” or “hybrid learning”. There will be separate remote classes and separate in-person classes. The remote teachers will be members of the school staff and the school principal will also be the remote principal.
The dual-track model allows students to learn remotely while being connected to a physical school. This is different from this year’s Remote Learning Elementary Program, which is its own elementary school. Students who choose to learn remotely will be placed at their home school or a nearby school, depending on enrollment.
HWDSB will provide a transition opportunity in late September or early October when schools re-organize. After that point, there may be one other opportunity to transition prior to the March Break. Families making a transition will stay in their new model for the rest of the year, unless there is an extraordinary circumstance. This will help limit disruptions to student learning.
For more information, visit our Elementary Remote Learning 2021-22 webpage, which features a section for Frequently Asked Questions.
Secondary Remote Learning (eLearning)
HWDSB’s secondary remote learning option for 2021-22 is eLearning. It is important to note that this learning model is different from what is being offered at the elementary level:
- An eLearning class is fully on-line via “The HUB”, a virtual learning environment (VLE).
- The teacher posts learning (readings, videos, recorded lessons, etc.) and learning activities for students. Students submit assignments online.
- Students will be scheduled into eLearning like in-person classes, and they have the flexibility to learn where and when it is convenient.
- This secondary remote learning option is different from students who have chosen to take an eLearning course as part of their option sheet. By declaring this eLearning option, students will be timetabled into eLearning for the quadmester.
- Typically, eLearning has limited “live” or direct instruction because the teacher’s schedule and the students’ schedules may not be matched. However, we are exploring how we can add a larger “live” component to existing classes and any additional eLearning classes we add students.
- Students may be taught by teachers from another school or another school board.
- School supports are still in place to support students, such as Learning Resource teachers, Student Success, Student Services (Guidance) and Administration.
- Students choosing eLearning will be selecting this option for the first two quarters (September to January).
eLearning was the HWDSB remote learning model for secondary students in 2020-21. Students need to be aware that they cannot join classes remotely while other students are learning in person as they did this year.
We encourage students and families to have discussions about what secondary learning model meets their needs. As previously mentioned, we hope to have as many students as possible learning in person come September 2021, but respect the option to choose.
HWDSB wants families to make an informed decision. Please ensure that you are familiar with the two models being offered in 2021-22:
For more information, visit our Secondary Learning Model 2021-22 webpage, which features a section for Frequently Asked Questions.
Updated on Wednesday, June 02, 2021.