e-Learning
Frequently Asked Questions for Parents
Q: What is an eLearning Day?
A: The Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) established the Virtual Option for Inclement Weather (known informally as eLearning Days) as a response to schools who had the ability to provide high quality instruction electronically in the event of severe weather that would normally require a school day to be cancelled. Provided that a school can meet several assurances the IDOE will grant the school the ability to provide instruction to students virtually and to count the day as a regular school day. IDOE requires that all activities on an eLearning day take place as if a regular school day was occurring and all students have access to any individual accommodations or support as needed.
Q: Why is Eastern Greene implementing eLearning Days?
A: Given that we usually have several cancelled days during a school year due to fog and snow this would allow us to avoid using our built-in snow days at the end of the school year. This would also give our students an opportunity to continue learning without interruptions.
Q: Is my child required to participate in eLearning Days?
A: Yes. Unless your child is sick, or does not have access to the internet or a device, they are expected to participate in eLearning Days. If your child is sick, please let their teacher know. If you do not have access to the internet or a device, your child will have three days to complete any work they missed on the eLearning Day. There may be some instances where packets of materials can be provided in lieu of technology if pre-planning can be done.
Q: How will my child access their materials on an eLearning day?
A: Students will be able to access their materials via Google Classroom. Teachers may provide a packet of lessons in lieu of technology enhanced learning for students who do not have internet access at home. The High School and Middle School/Elementary School parking lots are equipped with WiFi and can be used if you do not have reliable internet access at home. This can be used to download assignments to take home and complete, or to complete short assignments in the car if needed.
Q: What if my child does not have internet access during the day?
A: We understand that not all students have access to a device during the day due to individual situations such as loss of internet due to inclement weather, child day care, multiple students at home with a single computer, or parent availability during the work day. Because of this students will have up to 3 days to complete any assigned learning tasks and return the work. Some students may receive packets in lieu of technology if prior planning can take place. This may not be available for sudden closures due to fog and other unforeseen circumstances.
Q: How do I get in touch with my child’s teacher on an eLearning day?
A: All teachers are required to post the agenda for the day’s learning goals by 9:00am and will be available from 9:00am until 3:00pm to directly interact with students and address parent concerns. Teachers will be responsible for letting parents and students know of their availability during the school day and the method by how they can be contacted.
Q: Who do I contact if I need help during the eLearning day?
A: Your child’s teacher will be your direct contact for any questions regarding assignments and instruction. The teacher will assist with any problems they can. The teacher will get assistance from other sources if there is a problem they can’t solve.
Q: What kinds of activities will my child be doing on an eLearning day?
A: The expectation from IDOE is that instruction will continue in the same progression as it would on a regular school day. This means that depending on the content being covered that day students may be given information on a topic, assigned activities to practice a skill, collaborate with partners on a project, or given an assessment to evaluate learning. Teachers will be responsible for assigning the agenda for the day at 9:00am the day of the cancellation so that parents can assist their children with organizing any materials needed. In some cases additional materials may be sent home by the teacher to assist students with practicing skills or recording work.
Q: How can I prepare my child to be successful on an eLearning Day?
A: Many of our classes are already utilizing Google Classroom as a part of their regular instruction. For classes that are not currently using this system we have been working with our teachers to support them in using them during the regular school day. We are encouraging all teachers to practice the concept of an eLearning Day with students so that they know how to get support and access materials in the event that they were not at school during the day.
Q: Who do I contact if I have further questions about eLearning days that are not answered here?
A: We encourage you to contact your child’s teacher to learn more about their specific plans for supporting learning on an eLearning Day.
Q: What happens if we are shut down for long periods of time due to COVID-19?
A: We will utilize eLearning for a shut down due to COVID-19 or any other pandemic. If you do not have reliable internet access we will be able to provide paper packets. If you have internet access but do not have a reliable device, or enough devices, you will be able to check one out from the school.