FAQ Category: Technology

In August, Trustees approved upgrading each school’s broadband to fiber as part of the Ministry of Education Broadband Modernization Project. Fiber-optic cable offers Symmetrical connections or equal download and upload speeds considered best for synchronous learning. In October, we started connecting secondary schools. As we convert each school to their own fiber-optic connection, the bandwidth … Continue reading “How will schools ensure that its Internet connection can support streaming for all classrooms?”

Teachers will use a variety of strategies to provide a stronger connection with learners. Teachers will use a mix of audio and video as determined by their lesson, throughout the day. When a teacher is presenting the screen for a lesson, remote students will see the lesson on the computer and hear the teacher’s voice. … Continue reading “How can the quality of education be maintained for remote learners if teachers turn off their video with audio only?”

It would depend on the immensity of the technical difficulties. If it is a quick fix, the lesson can pause for all students and the resume once the issue has been resolved. If the issue will result in a significant delay in connectivity, teachers can provide follow-up instructions/announcements once it is possible for remote students … Continue reading “If a teacher runs into technical difficulties, will the class lesson pause, even for in-person face to face learners, until the issue has been resolved?”

Each teacher will have a device to deliver instruction in this hybrid model. We are currently looking at providing wireless headsets for teachers to wear so that they may be heard if they are walking around the classroom.

All teachers have participated in workshops on our virtual learning environments (VLEs) at the onset of distance learning in March. They used these virtual learning environments from March-June 2020. For September, our expectation was that all teachers created a Virtual Learning Environment, so this should be already in place. We are providing workshops for teachers … Continue reading “What if the classroom teacher is not familiar with the technology that is required for the remote learning? What training are you giving teachers to manage this additional workload?”

Over the years, the YCDSB has provided technology to schools through the School Improvement Planning Process. Schools have also expended funds through their GSBs (General School Budgets) and school fundraising initiatives to increase and update technology in the schools. We are using government funding to purchase new devices and technology for schools. These are being … Continue reading “How much money will be spent on the technology for live streaming? Isn’t this money better spent on hiring more teachers?”

At that time, we did not know if this would be a possibility due to bandwidth constraints. Since then, the Ministry provided extra funding to increase bandwidth in Boards. We have begun installing fiber connections in secondary schools and should be completed by the end of October. All elementary schools are scheduled to be completed … Continue reading “The Board consistently stated that they did not have the resources to stream classrooms and have virtual learners as a part of the regular home classrooms?”