Teaching & Learning

As our first three days of online learning draws to a close, I thank students and their families for the efforts made at home to enable engagement in learning programs.

In the first two weeks of the term, teachers have mainly focused on the use of the learning components within SEQTA to ensure that students are able to engage with each subject.

As the term progresses, further elements will be added to the online learning program and this will include video conferencing elements of Microsoft 365.  All students who are offered this type of learning experience must adhere closely to our expectations for these interactions.  As a College classroom usually serves as the workplace for students and teachers, we now have to engage online, but regular classroom expectations will remain.

Listed below are the expectations for students as they engage in online learning.  This document will be provided to all students and families during Week 2.

We look forward to continuing the online learning journey over coming weeks.

Janine Biggin

Deputy Principal Learning and Teaching

Online etiquette and expectations for students

You are attending classes

• It is expected that your appearance is neat and casual dress would be the same as on a ‘uniform free’ day. For example, comb your hair, no PJs. 
• Clothing must not have inappropriate language or offensive imagery. T-shirts and tops should have sleeves and not be revealing.
• The wearing of school uniform may be introduced if students do not appear in neat casual clothing when Video conferencing with the class.

Open and appropriate spaces for learning

• You should only engage in audio and video classes from an open, quiet and appropriate space outside of your bedroom.
• Let household members know that you are currently in an online class.
• Check that your video and audio work correctly – it is good to use a microphone headset if you have one.
• Be prepared by completing any pre-session tasks your teacher has set.

Communication during the online class in Microsoft 365

• Microsoft 365 enables learners to engage with their classroom teacher via a Chat function.  Students are to turn off their video and join the class.  It is only on the direction of a teacher that a student should turn their camera on so that they appear on the screen.
• If a student is instructed to turn the video on, the blur function must be used to remove the view of the background from the video image.
• No student should access any other online classes than those organised by their own class teacher.
•  Use appropriate language when communicating (speaking/writing messages) online with your teachers and your classmates.
• Behave appropriately in accordance with school rules, expectations and classroom agreements.
• The tone of your language needs to be appropriate to the task and lesson you are completing. This is no different to a normal classroom.
• Do not have other programs, games, apps etc. running in the background, unless directed by your teacher to do so.
• Be on time in joining the online class.  Class rolls are being taken – if you do not login, you will be recorded as being absent from the class.
• Make sure your class notes and other resources are accessible.
• Mute your microphone prior to commencing the class and activate as required.
• Be prepared to participate in the online class through audio and other means.
• Note any questions that you might have during the session and wait for the designated question and answer time, unless otherwise stipulated by your teacher.
• If online behaviour is considered inappropriate, students will have access to online learning blocked and contact will be made with the student’s family to address the unacceptable behaviour.
• All video conferencing will be recorded for Child Safety purposes.

All students are requested to remain calm.  If you experience a technology fail or feel frustrated, be patient with yourself and your teacher. This is new. Everyone is adjusting. You may need to shut the program down and start again.