Distance Learning Policy
We have devised a Distance Learning Policy to reflect the changed circumstances brought about by Covid-19 and the significant increase in the use of technology to continue learning remotely.
Introduction
This document sets out the school’s policy in respect of the use of technology for distance or remote teaching and learning and the various applications used for the delivery of online classes or e-Learning.
It operates in addition to our existing Acceptable Use Policy (AUP), Anti Bullying and our Child Protection and Safeguarding Statement Policy.
Scope of this Policy
This policy covers any aspect of student distance learning as used by the school Staff. In all cases pupils will use their @ourladyofmercy.ie account to log in. Pupils are not to use any other account under any circumstances for the purposes of Distance eLearning within the school.
The list of applications that will be used for distance learning will primarily be:
eLearning Approach
eLearning will take what is known as a blended approach and teachers will use a combination of methods:
Guidelines for Google Meets lessons
In the event of a pupil having to stay at home due to Covid 19 related factors the class teacher will provide the homework plan for the week through Google Classroom. If requested by the parent, a more detailed schedule of the work being covered in their absence can be furnished to them, if the pupil is well enough to complete it.
For pupils requiring additional support, the SEN team will make contact with the parents of such children to arrange a suitable plan to support their learning needs. This could be a regular phone call, work on google Classroom, recorded lessons and where applicable live interactions using google meets.
Data Privacy Statement
Our Distance Learning Policy operates in addition to the Internet Acceptable Usage Policy (AUP) 2018 and to the Our Lady of Mercy Privacy Statement which are available from our website.
Implementation Date
The procedures outlined in this policy will apply immediately.
Timetable for review
The operation of the procedures outlined in the policy above will be reviewed using the proposed schedule as stated below; or earlier, if necessary.
Communication
This policy is circulated to all teaching staff. Furthermore, a copy of this policy can be inspected in the Administrative Policies folder in the principal’s office.
Ratification
This plan was ratified by the Board of Management.
Signed: _______________________________
(Chairperson, Board of Management)
Dated: _____________________________________
Proposed date of next review: May 2024
We have devised a Distance Learning Policy to reflect the changed circumstances brought about by Covid-19 and the significant increase in the use of technology to continue learning remotely.
Introduction
This document sets out the school’s policy in respect of the use of technology for distance or remote teaching and learning and the various applications used for the delivery of online classes or e-Learning.
It operates in addition to our existing Acceptable Use Policy (AUP), Anti Bullying and our Child Protection and Safeguarding Statement Policy.
Scope of this Policy
This policy covers any aspect of student distance learning as used by the school Staff. In all cases pupils will use their @ourladyofmercy.ie account to log in. Pupils are not to use any other account under any circumstances for the purposes of Distance eLearning within the school.
The list of applications that will be used for distance learning will primarily be:
- Gsuite
- Google Classroom
- Aladdin Connect
- Google Meet -for live link.
eLearning Approach
eLearning will take what is known as a blended approach and teachers will use a combination of methods:
- Teachers will use Google Meets to connect with their class
- Teachers may use pre-recorded lessons and/or teaching resources through Google Classroom
- Teachers may distribute work as weekly bulk assignments while others may do so as daily homework-style tasks.
Guidelines for Google Meets lessons
- Teachers have overall control of the online interaction of their class and will expect all pupils to adhere to the same standards required of them in the real classroom e.g. being on time for lessons, appropriately dressed and respectful of all involved. The teacher will revise the school rules as to how they transfer to the remote setting.
- Pupils must always follow the direction of their teacher just as in the classroom.
- Students are not to turn on their microphone unless the teacher invites them to do so. In any case, all microphones should be on mute when a person is not speaking to avoid distracting background noise being broadcast to everyone.
- A Google Meet link is intended for the student only. The teacher will decide who should receive the link. Do not forward any link to anyone else.
- Pupils will communicate through the @ourladyofmercy.ie account only. The use of any other account or e-mail address is expressly prohibited
- Pupils will not engage in communications with any account other than an @ourladyofmercy.ie account and report any such activity to your teacher
- Pupils must always be civil and respectful to teachers and fellow students
- Pupils are not to record or forward any content within a live meet– such as worksheets, notes or Google Meet links – to anyone else without the permission of the creator of that content
- Parents should ensure that their daughters are checking in regularly for assigned work
- Where teachers are connecting through the live link with their classes parents should ensure that their daughter is in an area of the house that is quiet and free from distractions. However, please be mindful of Child Protection Guidelines and for example, bedrooms should not be used for live interactions. There is an expectation that parents are mindful of the age of the child engaging with online teaching and remain in the vicinity though not actively participating in such classes. As with actual classroom setting, parents are requested to adhere to the usual protocols that are in place in the school e.g. appointments to meet the teacher and not use the online platform to have discussions with the teachers.
In the event of a pupil having to stay at home due to Covid 19 related factors the class teacher will provide the homework plan for the week through Google Classroom. If requested by the parent, a more detailed schedule of the work being covered in their absence can be furnished to them, if the pupil is well enough to complete it.
For pupils requiring additional support, the SEN team will make contact with the parents of such children to arrange a suitable plan to support their learning needs. This could be a regular phone call, work on google Classroom, recorded lessons and where applicable live interactions using google meets.
Data Privacy Statement
Our Distance Learning Policy operates in addition to the Internet Acceptable Usage Policy (AUP) 2018 and to the Our Lady of Mercy Privacy Statement which are available from our website.
Implementation Date
The procedures outlined in this policy will apply immediately.
Timetable for review
The operation of the procedures outlined in the policy above will be reviewed using the proposed schedule as stated below; or earlier, if necessary.
Communication
This policy is circulated to all teaching staff. Furthermore, a copy of this policy can be inspected in the Administrative Policies folder in the principal’s office.
Ratification
This plan was ratified by the Board of Management.
Signed: _______________________________
(Chairperson, Board of Management)
Dated: _____________________________________
Proposed date of next review: May 2024