A virtual school at the CSSMI

At the Seigneurie-des-Mille-Îles School Services Center (CSSSMI), as in several others, a real virtual school has been organized since the start of the school year. This allows teachers with special medical conditions to continue their practice and students who cannot attend school to continue their learning.

More than thirty teachers, divided between primary and secondary schools, are thus assigned to distance education. “The majority of them were able to keep their educational levels and subjects. The school was formed spontaneously. We couldn't go back to class, but we wanted to participate in this new school year, ”says Sylvie De Celles, French teacher in 4.^e secondary. She contacted us after the publication of the article Virtual schools for high school students.

She would like to underline the support that the group of teachers have received from educational advisers and IT services since the start of the school year. A director has also been appointed for the virtual school. “We created a group dynamic. We talk to each other a lot and we try to coordinate as best as possible between teachers. "

Which students attend this school? 

“Our students are also at-risk youth. Either because of their own health condition, or the medical condition of one of their parents, they cannot go to class. Our school is the alternative for them. We are aiming for stability for the entire school year, ”says Sylvie. In short, the virtual school is not a temporary school for students who are waiting for a test result or whose class is confined for 14 days. There are currently 64 secondary level students and 90 primary level students attending the CSSMI virtual school.

For this school year, the teacher finds herself with a small group of 13 students. Other teachers have larger groups. “I give 4 periods of lessons per week to my students. I am also available every day for personalized support and follow-up concerning the work of the week. I don't teach the same way, but I keep the pace of the program. "

The main challenge, according to her, is getting to know the students. Since she's never met them in person, she must come to create a strong bond and keep them motivated across the screen. This is why she regularly tries to organize individual exchanges with them. 

Another challenge is not to fall into isolation. “I realize how much my work as a teacher is human-centered, with students and with colleagues. We created a virtual teacher's room, it allows us to chat, but it's not the same. And then, at night, it's important to take your screens off to keep your balance. "

Would you like to tell us about your virtual school too? We hope to hear from you soon! We warmly invite you to prepare a written testimony and send it to us!