School District No. 27 offers enrolment to students wishing to study a course or courses via Online Learning. Special Programming Notes
- GROW works closely with Lake City Secondary Columneetza Campus and Peter Skene Ogden to ensure that students in Grade 8 and 9 can work on their course(s) and still remain connected to their respective school (based upon which is their home school).
Teacher Role in Student Learning
The teacher's role changes as students move through primary (K - 3), intermediate (4 - 7), and secondary (8 - 12) grades. The School Act requires, "A teacher's responsibilities [to] include designing, supervising and assessing educational programs and instructing, assessing and evaluating individual students and groups of students." For students in an online learning environment at the primary level the teacher focuses on designing, supervising and assessing the program in conjunction with the parent. It is the teacher's final responsibility for the design, supervision and assessment but it is recognized that the parent plays a large role in the delivery of the program. As students advance from primary, to intermediate and then to the secondary grades the parent role changes in how the learning is supported.
Parental Role in Student Learning
Grades 8 and 9 is a fully online program (Moodle) and, at this level the parent support changes. Parents can support their students with any technological challenges, removing distractions and, when they have academic challenges, help them get support. Parents and students can reach out to the teacher by contacting the GROW office or by directly emailing the teacher.
Student Expectations
- Students are expected to complete all courses prior to the end of the school year.
- Students are expected to make continuous progress in their courses. If there is an interruption in their learning schedule students need to be in touch with their teacher to let them know when they will be resuming their studies.
- Students are expected to have met with their school counsellor prior to enrolling in an online course and the course needs to be part of their learning plan.
- Students in Grades 8 and 9 are not automatically enrolled into Distance Education in GROW as there is an expectation that their current school must accommodate to their needs first to ensure their success as most students are NOT successful who enter a Distance Education Program (please see the checklist below).
Are there In-Person Gatherings or Field Trips?
Online schools, such as GROW, can provide the occasional field trip as designed by a teacher, As a district, field trips are part of an effective learning experiences often resulting from first-hand observation of, or participation in, events or activities that occur out in the community away from the school. GROW, as an online school, does not have the same physical connection to all students like a campus school does; therefore, parents should not expect field trips to occur as part of their child's academic program.
Contact?
Please Contact the GROW Program if you have further questions regarding the suitability of your child for Distance Education and the following Page for Registration Information.
Note the Checklist below that will assist you in this regard.
Online Courses:
- Online courses allow you to complete your coursework anywhere and at any time of day. Despite this flexibility, online learners don't set the pace for their studies. Courses have start and end dates, and instructors set the pace by requiring specific deadlines for all coursework. It is very important for students to keep up with due dates and participate actively in their course.
- Online courses are delivered through a program called Moodle. You can access course content, participate in discussions, and submit assignments online through Moodle. We recommend that you review the Moodle Student Guide to familiarize yourself with this program.
- To take an online course, you will need regular access to a computer in desktop or laptop form (not a tablet or phone) for extended periods of time. You will also need a reliable Internet connection so you can participate in your course and check your student email regularly.
Learning online is quite different from learning in a traditional classroom. Before deciding to enroll in a distance course, students must ask themselves the following questions:
- Am I self-motivated, self-disciplined, and able to meet deadlines without close supervision?
Yes OR No - Will I be able to devote at least 5 hours per week per course to engaging with course materials and completing assignments? Your course may require more or less time, but you should budget for a minimum of 5 hours per course.
Yes OR No - Will I have regular access to a computer with a reliable Internet connection for extended periods of time?
Yes OR No - I am comfortable creating documents on a computer and with instructions using a computer to talk to my teacher?
Yes OR No - Do I know how to send and receive email messages, use Microsoft Teams, attach files, and browse for information online?
Yes OR No - Will I engage with other students and my teacher in an online format (Microsoft Teams) on a regular basis (weekly)?
Yes OR No - I will submit work to my instructor every week, but if I do not submit work after two weeks I risk being withdrawn from the class.
Yes OR No - As a student I like to read, write, and learn math?
Yes OR No - Am I an independent learner with good reading skills and study habits?
Yes OR No - Do I have a supporting adult who can help me with the course and keep me working on the course (help to motivate me along) if my instructor is not available?
Yes OR No
If students answered "yes" to these questions, then they are a good candidate for online learning. If they answered "no" to one or more questions, then online learning will be challenging for the student.