The third term of online courses began for students on Monday, January 10. While for many high school students, online courses are not a problem since they have the appropriate equipment, such as a smart phone, a laptop, or a multimedia touch pad, others have a hard time following these courses. In most cases, this involves the use of digital platforms and technological tools dedicated to education.
Indeed, some families do not have the financial means to provide their children with the latest cell phones or laptops. The huge learning losses, especially among vulnerable students, it risks at the same time to further widen inequalities among students. We know that the Ministry of Education is now trying to ensure continuity of learning through distance education.
But the fact is that many students are being left out in the cold. In some cases, the smart phones have a camera or sound problem, which taints their willingness to follow the class. Internet access is not the same for everyone.
Another concern that some students face is that their cell phones are not adaptable to all applications. And as the teachers of their schools make their courses, each one on a platform (Google meet, Zoom, whatapp etc), these students cannot follow the courses correctly. Like Julie, who is in grade 12 in a school in Plaine Wilhems. She notified her teachers of her problem, but the teachers remained unmoved.
Classes for students in grades 9, 9+, 11 and 13 will resume on February 2nd. Until then, the ordeal of those who do not have the proper equipment will continue.
