From classrooms to computers, connecting in Georgina a challenge for students

#learnfromhome Georgina teachers, students, parents learning to navigate online classroom

Yorkregion.com
May 20, 2020
Amanda Persico

When it comes to online learning during the current coronavirus pandemic, it’s not as simple as click and zoom.

Add in issues of connectivity in rural areas in Georgina where many students are finding it challenging to even log on.

On top of that, many parents are working from home during the same time or are essential front-line workers, unable to assist with the online learning process.

And then there is the technology itself -- both teachers and students thrust into a Google Classroom world, where digital assignments replace labs reports, computer screens replace a chalkboard and emails replace face-to-face learning.

The steep learning curve is felt by all involved -- students, parents and teachers who are home with their own children as well.

“Teachers are learning along with the kids,” said Lisa Snow, a Keswick mother of two teens.

In the Snow household, both parents are currently working from home and both teens are independently learning -- Liam in Grade 9 and Maia in Grade 11.

While both teens work independently, keeping a "normal" routine and wake-up-eat-go-to-bed schedule is key to making days run smoother, Snow said.

“Some days are better than others,” she said.

The Snow family isn’t alone. In fact, it’s been an adjustment across the board, going from classrooms to computers without prior training or experience.

“Moving over 127,000 students and over 14,000 staff members from working together in buildings to an online environment has presented challenges that we have worked to overcome,” said Licinio Miguelo, spokesperson for the York Region District School Board.

Access to technology is one of the challenges. Both the public and Catholic school boards in York Region have provided tens of thousands of Chromebooks and internet connectivity devices to students who did not have access to high-speed internet or a laptop with which to conduct school work.

“We have been mindful of ensuring access, and expectations are fair for all families (during) this global pandemic crisis,” Miguelo said. “Some are feeling anxious over the amount of activity and others are looking for more. Our aim is to provide a balanced approach that supports all students’ learning and well-being.”

There were bugs at the beginning -- namely, ensuring her kids were logged into the right system and assignments were being turned in to the right virtual place, Snow said.

But things have been getting better, she added.

And each class comes with its own set of challenges.

“Phys-ed is more focused on learning about healthy behaviours than actual physical activity,” Snow said. “Art courses are continuing, but students need to document their progress, gain feedback through messages from teachers and adjust their approaches.”

That means additional time spent journaling and chronicling what would have otherwise been face-to-face instruction and interactions -- something both Liam and Maia are missing.

Along with face-to-face communication, both teens pine for the social interaction of friends, locker buddies and classmates.

But teachers, despite their technical challenges, have done an “exceptional job of reaching out and checking in,” Snow added.

Forced to adapt to online learning has kicked the town’s progress toward high-speed internet for all Georgina residents into high gear, the town having recently approved its first broadband strategy and action plan.

There are many known internet black holes in town, near Baldwin, Belhaven, Brown Hill, Udora and along many rural side streets.

The COVID-19 pandemic only demonstrates how critical high-speed connectivity is, said Mayor Margaret Quirk.

“Providing access to broadband is important to the success of our community, whether you are operating a business or taking online courses,” she said.

“Additional broadband will support our resiliency and ability to rebound quickly in a new world that will rely more than ever on the internet and virtual connection.”