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Greenville City Schools… Remote Learning
Laura Bemus
Assistant Superintendent
According to the Ohio Department of Education, remote learning occurs
when the learner and educator, or source of information, are separated
by time and/or distance, and therefore, cannot meet in a traditional
classroom setting. School Districts faced a situation last spring that
had never been experienced as schools were ordered to close across the
state, suddenly in March, due to the pandemic. Districts moved from
traditional to remote learning. Greenville City Schools had initiated
tools for remote learning that helped make this transition.
This sudden change caused Greenville City Schools to use a digital mode
to provide remote learning. Digital mode is defined as remote learning,
delivered via computer or internet-based means. As a district, the
Greenville City Schools Board of Education had already approved one to
one learning using iPads, so we were able to make the change with
regular interaction between students and teachers via iPads and the
internet. The District also had purchased Kajeets, mobile hot spots and
provided those for students without internet access. During spring and
summer months, parents and staff voiced that they greatly appreciated
the smooth transition and communication and also their desire for a
unified platform to deliver instruction, track and report educational
courses. A group of educators studied the available platforms, Learning
Management Systems, and recommended that the Board of Education
purchase Canvas. Canvas was every teacher’s first choice and came with
strong recommendations from Hilliard and Delaware City Schools, as well
as The Ohio State University, Miami University, Bowling Green State
University, and the University of Cincinnati. Canvas was determined to
be a useful tool either to continue remote learning or for traditional
learning in the classroom.
As Districts transitioned back to school this fall, Greenville City
Schools conducted a survey to collect data on how our community and
families felt about students returning to traditional learning VS
continued remote learning. Approximately 20% of our families wanted to
continue remote learning for at least the first semester of the 20-21
school year. With that information, we assigned teachers to remote
learners as schedules were developed to meet this need. Teachers were
also trained during the summer to use the Learning Management System,
Canvas. Many preparations occurred for a smooth and flexible return to
school without affecting instructional time.
As we begin the second quarter of this school year, here are a few
quotes from staff members and a student on remote teaching and learning:
Beth Shields, HS Math Teacher: HS Student quote, “ I'm very thankful
that we have a new Learning Management System (Canvas). It is really
helpful for me and the students to keep things organized! I think it is
nice that students have the option to do remote learning because for
some students, it really fits their learning styles and needs.”
Remote learning is going better than I thought it would be. My teachers
are making it easy to find assignments, and we have Zoom calls to clear
things up and say hi. It fits my life style because when I wake up I
start my work right away and I can finish at my pace.”
Mary Kate Lefeld, Elementary Remote Teacher, “Remote learning has been
an exciting new challenge! I am so proud of our students and families
who are committed to continuing their child’s education from home
during these trying times! Thank goodness for all of our awesome
technology here and the educational online programs we have access to.
It makes it easier to meet the needs of our diverse learners! I
definitely feel like this is enhancing everyone’s knowledge of
technology and though it is tough, it is making us better for our
future! “
Overall, it’s been a great time for accepting change and being flexible
to equip our teachers and meet the needs of our students. As Mrs. Mary
Kate Lefeld said, “it is making us better for our future.” That
statement is a great reflection in summing up the positive movement for
education in today’s challenges.
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