eLearning Family Guide

What is eLearning, and what are some of the benefits?

eLearning involves the use of technology and innovative strategies to engage students in learning. It creates a collaborative environment and promotes digital literacy, utilizes technology to access educational curriculum, also known as blended learning. eLearing serves as a tool for creativity, communication, collaboration and critical thinking and provides students with experience and practice exercising acceptable use and appropriate digital citizenship. eLearning extends learning beyond the classroom walls, and minimizes the need to extend the school calendar to accommodate for make-up days. 

When will eLearning for school cancellation days occur?

When the Superintendent (or designee) makes the decision to cancel a regularly scheduled school day due to an unplanned emergency (i.e. inclement weather, road conditions or health epidemic). The school closing announcement will include a statement about replacing the school day with an eLearning day.

Has LCSC established a maximum number of eLearning days?

Up to five eLearning days may be utilized during the 2019-20 school year. If school must be canceled more than five times during the school year, the Superintendent reserves the right to schedule any additional make-up days as needed using federal holidays, designated professional development days, additional eLearning days and/or extending the school year, if necessary.

How will students make up the learning time on eLearning days?

Teachers will utilize Canvas to provide meaningful instruction and assignments for students to complete as practice and to demonstrate understanding.

What if my student receives accommodations?

Learning plans such as Individual Education Plans (IEPs), Individual Learning Plans (ILPs), and Section 504 Plans will include provisions for eLearning accommodations for eligible students. Teachers who are responsible for the implementation of the learning plans will work with parents/guardians and appropriate staff members, as needed, prior to implementing eLearning days to clarify expectations for student learning and how they will provide the required support. A conference may be needed, or an addendum may suffice.

Will there be offline support for students whose accommodations cannot be met through online learning?

For students with disabilities who do not use Canvas for learning or for whom Canvas is not appropriate, teachers will provide parents with appropriate educational materials and learning activities for student use.

What guidance will parents receive about how to support their children during eLearning events?

Parents will have the opportunity to learn about eLearning and Canvas through a variety of offerings:  Tech Night sessions, videos, newsletters, and other resources as needed.

Will adult supervision be required for eLearning experiences?

Assignments for eLearning days are designed to be completed by the student with little or no parent involvement required unless specifically stated by the teacher. Some content may be new, but accessing the assignments and using technology should be something students are used to doing independently.

Attendance will be determined by each building and could include check in on Canvas, work completion, activity on Canvs or other measures determined by the building. eLearning due dates will be determined and communicated by the teachers for each course. All due dates will be posted on Canvas. If students have problems meeting the due dates, they should communicate with their teachers.

Can my student complete their eLearning day assignment on a personal device?

Yes, in most cases. Assignments will be available in Canvas and will likely be able to be completed on any computer, tablet, or even cellular phone. In the event that a specific app or feature is required and not available, the five-day eLearning assignment window allows time for students to complete the task at school on their district-issued device.

Please note that technology support is available only for students using district-issued devices.

Will students need and have access to the Internet?

Using eLearning does not mean all households must have Wi-Fi, although many LCSC students and teachers have the ability to access digital learning away from school. You can find a list of establishments offering free public wi-fi under Resources.

Will students be allowed to take home a device?

Yes, provided your student has a completed Student Device Use Agreement Form. Prior to taking home a device, please carefully review all instructional technology device policies and procedures with your student.

What is the timeline for teachers to assign work on an eLearning day?

• Teachers will inform students of their lessons, activities and assignments through each teacher’s Canvas home page by 9:00 a.m.
• If a delay day becomes a cancellation day, the deadline extends to 11:00 a.m.
• Due to the unique learning needs of Developmental Pre-School and Life Skills students, teachers may use flexibility regarding the timeline. Assignments for eLearning must focus on IEP goals. Assignments and related materials must be made available as close to real time as possible.
• Assignments for eLearning must focus on IEP goals.
• Assignments and related materials must be made available as close to real time as possible. 

What will be the student workload expectation for eLearning?

• No minimum or maximum amount of time is expected. Student “work load” is determined by grade level, the lesson plans for that day, the types of courses students are taking, and the amount of time needed to complete the learning experiences.
• Teachers strive to mimic the same workload students experience during a regular school day, taking into account passing periods and transition time a student would typically experience.

What is the timeline for students to submit completed work?

What is the timeline for students to submit completed work?

• Planned eLearning Days: Teachers will provide guidance regarding deadlines for submitting completed work for planned eLearning days. 
• Unplanned eLearning Days: Students are expected to submit completed work on the day of unplanned eLearning days, but teachers may grant extensions on an individual basis, as needed.
• Teachers will grant an extension for students to complete work when school is canceled for two or more consecutive unplanned eLearning days.
• Teachers will make determinations on a case-by-case basis to provide extended time for special needs students (i.e. Life Skills and Developmental Pre-School) to complete and submit assignments.

How will teachers be contacted during eLearning to support student learning?

Teachers will post their assignments, availability and contact information on their Canvas course home page. Students and parents may contact teachers for instructional support during the normal school day hours on the eLearning day by contacting the teacher following the directions posted by the individual teachers.

What should a student do if technology is not working for them on an eLearning day?

Any questions regarding lesson content or related resources should be directed to the teacher. If a student has trouble with a LCSC device or Canvas, students/parents should contact the eLearning Help Desk at 765-335-2270. In the event of a widespread technology issue, LCSC will communicate the problem and any solution via ParentLink.Otherwise, staff will work with the student/parent to address the concern on a case-by-case basis when students return to school.