By formal definition, Distance Digital Learning/e-Learning is the acquisition of knowledge and skills through mediated information and instruction, encompassing all technologies and other forms of learning at a distance. It is a way of learning remotely without being in regular face-to-face contact with a teacher in the classroom. It includes digital learning, which is any type of learning that is accompanied by technology or by instructional practice that makes effective use of technology. It encompasses the application of a wide spectrum of practices including blended and virtual learning.

Essential Requirements for Students' Academic Success with Distance Digital Learning:

• A computer or laptop available at home for children at different times (it is not a must that each child has his/her own device, they can be time-shared; deadlines for tasks and assessments have been made flexible with this in mind).
• Access to internet is only needed for downloading and uploading assignments and taking online assessments; working on such items can be done offline.
• Provide a suitable learning environment for studying.
• Provide parental follow-up, support and guidance.
• Check for student resources such as: required platform accounts' credentials, textbooks, copybooks, and stationery.

ICS Distance Digital Learning is geared toward K-12 teachers planning lessons with clear objectives which include introduction to new knowledge/use of prior knowledge, assigning specific short tasks, and offering engaging open-ended assessment activities which are accessible to all students via links to resources, examples, options for uploading completed work, and more. All completed work will be marked by the teachers and recorded in their gradebooks to be included in the term average. Should a student not complete a task on time due to special circumstances, additional time or an alternative task may be given in consultation with the teacher.

Attendance is recorded digitally on a daily basis according to the engagement and completion of the tasks assigned by the due date. Teachers are to monitor daily whether or not the student uploaded their online tasks depending on the instructions on the assignment slide of the PPT.

The main advantage to Distance Learning in times of such a crisis is minimal interruption to the students' learning process while pursuing an education. A certain amount of flexibility is called for on part of the students, parents, and teachers when it comes to deadlines.

However, it is understood by all that whether the learning takes place in the classroom or online at home, it is to be taken seriously. This digital mode has several benefits such as: creating independent learners, mastering time-management, and easy access through the click of a mouse.

Expectations of the Students

• Academic Honesty is valued greatly at ICS. We entrust that our students will apply their high moral standards during this new learning practice. Students are expected to complete the assignments to the best of their ability as an independent learner, submitting their own original work and responses.
• To follow their daily schedule of subjects taught, but not necessarily by the hour. Students are to log in each school day to Orison to access the PPT created by their teacher for each week by subject under the Distance Digital Learning tab. (or you can access the school website: https://icschool-uae.com/index.php/ics-almushrif and click on the Distance Digital Learning tab for the alMushrif campus. PPT explanations and Learning Resources are uploaded on Orison under Distance Digital Learning tab, inside organized by subject.
• To learn new concepts and complete assignments/tasks and submit by the due date; then upload to their teacher (where applicable).
• To inquire with their teacher via email only after first revisiting the content and attempting the tasks again.
• Task completion will count for daily attendance according to the following guidelines: students who submit the day's work before 3 p.m. will receive 100% as an attendance mark plus a bonus point; students who submit the day's work by 11:59 p.m. will receive an attendance mark of up to 100%. *No attendance mark will be given for any work submitted past midnight unless a legitimate reason is provided. Keep in mind that at 8:00 a.m. the next day new assignments begin, and the attendance clock resets.

Expectations of the Parents

• Begin by logging onto the Orison platform where you will locate the weekly PPT for each subject by grade (see example below) which can be found under the Distance Digital Learning tab. Alternatively, all resources and PPTs can be downloaded directly from the school website: https://icschool-uae.com/index.php/ics-almushrif
• The weekly PPT contains a simplified summary of all learning objectives, explanations, links to resources, tasks, assignments, and assessments for each week.

• Follow up with your child's learning; this can be done before, during or afterwards.
• Ensure that your child is engaged and completes tasks on time.
• Provide weekly feedback to the teacher about your child's progress and concerns by completing the survey attached/linked in the Reflection on Learning 

Expectations of the Teachers

• Deliver high quality lessons and assessments to students across all subjects relevant to their curriculum and grade level via the digital mode of Distance Learning.
• Lessons were prepared after sourcing culturally appropriate materials to create their school-formatted PowerPoint, which was then uploaded to the ICS portal, Orison, and placed in the appropriate folder under the Distance Digital Learning tab for students and parents to access Learning Materials under each Subject Folder.
• Included in the PPT are clear objectives with success criteria, links to resources, assignments/tasks, teachers' and coordinators' emails for student inquiries, and AfL as well as AoL (Assessment for Learning (daily basis) and Assessment of Learning (summative/weekly).

• Teachers have included links (lesson explanation, worksheets, assessments, etc.,) within their PPT which take students to other familiar platforms such as Easyclass, Class Dojo, IXL, etc. Teachers will be available from 8:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. to assist with the student learning during the day.
• Teachers will unlock the assignment the night before the date assigned so students have access as of 8:00 a.m. the following day.
• During Distance Digital Learning weeks, teachers are to monitor the students' use of learning platforms, record which students have accessed Orison, use the completed assignments for attendance purposes on a daily basis, as well as Easyclass/Class Dojo to review the students' uploaded completed work and provide assistance/feedback as needed. Parents will receive a notification through Orison if a task is incomplete and will be regarded as absent.

Provisions for SEN

• Teachers have supplied the SEN department with plans which were then modified to accommodate student needs according to IEPs.
• The SEN department has created an attractive, fun, user-friendly website for each student to log onto where they will find all of their assignments and assessments.
• Parents may assist their children with these tasks and students may attempt them more than once for reinforcement of skills.

Follow-up Upon Return to Normal Operating School Days

• During the first few days of returning to school, teachers will offer a short review/recap of the Distance Digital Learning program to students.
• Teachers will not repeat the content, only fill any gaps, if established, and then will move ahead with the curriculum.
• Teachers to inform students ahead of time and include some of the Distance Digital Learning topics in future assessments.

List of Platforms to Use According to Teacher's Plans

Answers to FAQs on DDL from Parents:

1. What is Distance Digital Learning?

            Distance Digital Learning is any type of learning which does not take place in the school classroom with a teacher face-to-face and that is accompanied by technology or by instructional practices that make effective use of technology. It encompasses the application of a wide spectrum of practices including blended and virtual learning.

2. Where can I find the Distance Digital Learning Policy?

            The policy is to be shared via the school email and will be uploaded on the school website.

3. What can I do to prepare my child before Distance Digital Learning begins?

Ensure that your children understand that this mode of learning is treated in the same regard as being in school and make sure the children have their devices and to go through the content with them the day before.

4. What is expected from parents?

      Parents should create a suitable learning environment and familiarize themselves with the textbooks, applications being used by the school, and the student devices, encourage student responsibility and organizational skills, communicate with the DL Coordinator, Mr. Mahmoud at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.regarding any concern about Distance Digital Learning. Parents should also monitor and provide proper follow up with their children.

5. How will attendance be taken?

Attendance is recorded digitally on a daily basis according to the engagement and completion of the tasks assigned by the due date. Teachers are to monitor daily whether or not the student uploaded their online tasks depending on the instructions on the assignment slide of the PPT. 

6. What if the student cannot upload his/her work on the platform required by the teacher? or experience other technical difficulties?

            The student will email the work to the teacher and the coordinator.

7. Will the work completed be counted in the teachers' grade books? How will students earn marks?

            Yes, it is part of Continuous Assessment. Each assignment has a point value, some will count as participation, others will have a computer-generated score allocated upon completion of the task.

8. What if a parent is at work and cannot monitor his/her child's Distance Digital Learning before 2 p.m.?

            Parents can assist their child at any time during the day before midnight, particularly for K-4.

9. What should the student do before emailing the teacher for help?

            He/she should revisit the content, try again, and then ask the teacher for assistance via email.

10. In case of concerns, when will the teacher be available to reply to emails?

            Any inquiry received before 3 p.m. will have a response by 4 p.m. For any inquiry received after 4 p.m., the response will come the next school day.

11. Will the dates of external exams be affected?

            Any updates will be sent to parents via ICS official email regarding changes.

12. Is this work going to be needed in term 3?

            Yes, the work assigned during DDL is part of the curriculum and must be covered during the term. It will be used to calculate marks for Term 2.

13. How long will Distance Digital Learning last?

            We do not know.

14. Will my child receive extra-credit for completing all assignments early?

            Assignments completed early may be subject to bonus marks, but it is more valuable to take their time to fully absorb the lesson objective and meet success by providing quality answers. Rushed work to be finished first can lead to mistakes which will affect the mark too.

15. What can I do to ensure that my child uses the internet properly?

Parents should use discretion in allowing access to the child. Students should be supervised whenever possible and reminded of the proper use of the internet.

Kindly remember that this exercise in its current format is new to all stakeholders and its effectiveness and success will primarily depend on all investing fully towards its success.

For further details or specific inquiries, please contact:

Mr. Mahmoud Ahmed
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Digital Learning Coordinator