A local teachers union very concerned with what it calls plans by the provincial government to make virtual learning permanent after the pandemic is over.
Ontario Secondary Schools Teachers Federation local President Rich Seeley points out being in front of a computer at home has shown there can be major learning gaps, causing the loss of a generation of learning.
“Into the future, doctors, lawyers, engineers, technicians, you name it, if they’re not getting a good solid educational foundation in high school, how are they going to build bridges and highways and buildings 20 to 30 years from now,” says Seeley.
The union leader adds on-line learning has been an emergency necessary evil.
He points out the last year has shown kids learn best in class with socializing, that virtual is not what the provincial government thought it would be. “We’re really hoping that the government smartens up and backs off that plan. It’s really not in the best interest of anyone, and, quite frankly, the whole reason for it is really just to privatize education.”
The union president accuses the government of wanting students earning credits on-line, at cost, for profit.
