2021 School year will continue with distance learning
The COVID-19 pandemic has forever changed the way the world looks at remote learning. In the past, remote learning was considered more for adults taking distance courses or upgrading their academic credentials but now that’s all changed.
Remote learning has been in place for all Canadian cities with the hopes of bending the curve. On Thursday, June 3rd, Manitoba Education Minister Cliff Cullen announced the end to in-class learning for the remainder of the 2021 school year for all kindergarten to Grade 12 schools in Winnipeg and Brandon, as well as the Garden Valley and Red River Valley school divisions. With this announcement, schools will continue distance learning.
“Extending remote learning as recommended by public health will protect students, families, teachers and staff as our COVID-19 case counts remain high and our healthcare system is still under tremendous strain,” said Cullen. “We know the value of face-to-face instruction, and limited use for small groups of students will allow students and teachers to end the year on a stronger footing.” Said Education Minister Cliff Cullen
The decision to suspend in-class learning comes at a time where Manitoba’s COVID-19 daily case count continues to rise and making it North America’s highest rate of infection per capita. The move to suspend in-class learning for the rest of the year was predictable, considering most of Manitoba is still in Code Red and under a full COVID lockdown.
Manitoba’s decision to suspend in-class learning for the remainder of the school year comes on the heels of Ontario’s announcements to also suspend in-class learning. The choice by the Pallister Government to close schools is drawing both criticism and praise from Manitobans. Closing schools is never a popular decision but it could be the right one. Schools across the country have cancelled end of year exams and many are inching closer to also cancelling in-class learning for the remainder of the 2021 school term.
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