Move to increase online learning in West Dunbartonshire slammed by union rep
dailyrecord.co.ukSecondary schools across West Dunbartonshire will offer at least one online course from the start of the new year - but the move has been blasted by a local union rep.West Dunbartonshire Council’s education committee last week gave the green light to plans to expand e-learning, which was first brought in due to the Covid-19 pandemic, for senior phase secondary pupils.A report presented to members said: “Digital is almost solely used as an add-on for homework and revision, but seldom used for course delivery beyond its use as a presentation tool or sharing of content/resources.“In most of the local authorities of Scotland, they have continued to build their online course offer, and better meet the needs and interests of their young people, whilst also preparing them more adequately for future study or employment.“Schools have agreed to offer one qualification online in the coming session, but significantly more could be done to increase this offer.”However the move has been met with concern from Gavin Corrigan of the EIS trade union.Mr Corrigan, a teacher at Our Lady and St Patrick’s High, said: “During the pandemic digital learning was a way of minimising the detriment caused by restricted movement and school closures.“It’s not a contractual requirement for teachers to provide online learning, however at the time - and given the lack of alternatives - we accepted the position.“We’re no longer in such pressing times and the position of our membership is that, as well as not being a contractual requirement, it is a poor learning experience for pupils.“It deprives them of the richness of a supportive, face-to-face and interactive learning environment.“It deprives them of the benefit of person-to-person interaction,
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