A math course in progress during a virtual class taking place as part of the city's public school board's online learning program. (CHAT News photo)

By Alex McCuaig

One month in

Public school board’s online learning platform proving to be a success

Sep 28, 2020 | 4:51 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – It’s been a month since the city’s public school board launched its online learning hub offering students from the early learning program to Grade 9 an education on a virtual platform.

So far, it’s avoided the pitfalls which have dogged and stalled the launch of similar programs at various school districts across the country.

That’s something which Southview Community School co-principal Warren Buckler puts down to good early planning, engaged staff and supportive parents.

“It’s gone incredibly well. Our staff are fantastic, they are working very hard. Our families have been very understanding and super engaged,” said Buckler. “We know that we are always going to progress and advance. We’re going to try some things that are going to work, other things aren’t. But I’m very happy our feedback has been strong.”

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So far, nearly 470 students are signed up for the program that is currently being taught by 19 teachers.

Buckler says that number could fluctuate depending on the COVID-19 situation and what parents feel is best for their children.

For Grade 3 teacher Terryann Syverson, she would give the program a high grade overall but it does lack the social interactions between children that give rise to learning opportunities.

Conversely and surprisingly for Syverson, online learning has seen some students who struggled with the in-person learning environment exceed all expectations online.

As well, the online platform has proven to be a time-efficient learning tool.

“At this point, I really think the students are successful at what they are doing,” said Syverson. “A lot of the stuff we’re doing is interactive with them. We can see it, we can talk about it, we can do a lot of things we can do in the classroom. We’re just not together.”

Buckler says he believes online learning may continue once the pandemic is over.

The program is open for parents to opt into at any time but it will require up to two weeks to secure a spot to ensure proper resources are in place.