Surrey School District Launches Hybrid Learning Pilot Program

Students in the Surrey School District are adapting to a new educational format as the district rolls out a hybrid learning pilot program this week. Aimed at high school students, the initiative allows participants to engage in courses that are 50 percent online, catering to the future demands of hybrid work environments. This program is optional, enabling students to choose whether to enroll.

Jill Lobley, a parent of a Grade 10 student, shared her support for the hybrid model as her son has opted for the program in his careers course. “During COVID, he was online quite a bit and actually excelled, being able to work on his own and go at his own pace,” Lobley noted. She emphasized that while online learning suits some students, others may require more traditional classroom support. “Parents have been asking for more options,” she added. “There are definitely kids that this will not work for, but there are kids that can do this.”

To facilitate participation, the school district has offered devices such as laptops and iPads to students who do not have their own technology. Mark Pearmain, Superintendent of the Surrey School District, expressed hopes that this program would equip students with skills relevant for their future academic and professional pursuits. “We’re looking at this as the opportunity to provide these opportunities for our kids to learn new skills and new competencies,” Pearmain stated.

Surrey faces numerous challenges, including overcrowding, reliance on portable classrooms, and limited resources. Pearmain acknowledged that while the pilot project may not address these issues immediately, its potential expansion could lead to broader improvements. “It’s only one or two classes per school that we’re trying this in,” he said. “So it’s really going to have a minimal impact this year when it comes to any of our space challenges.”

Impacts on Learning and Mental Health

The transition to a hybrid learning model raises concerns regarding the impact of increased screen time on student well-being. Dr. Shimi Kang, a child psychiatrist affiliated with Future Ready Minds, highlighted the challenges many teenagers face in maintaining focus, particularly when learning online. “It’s already hard to focus, especially on academic subjects,” she explained. Dr. Kang noted that students with neurodiversity or attention-related issues could particularly struggle in this setting.

Echoing Lobley’s sentiments, Dr. Kang remarked that while the program may benefit some students, others could find it difficult. “Digital literacy and learning how to manage that hybrid environment could provide benefits,” she said. “So I think it’s going to be an individual experience.”

Dr. Kang also pointed out the differences between teenage and adult brains, emphasizing that teenagers may not learn or work in the same way as adults. “That brain doesn’t really fully have its maturation until early 20s,” she explained, which could lead to distractions during online learning.

To address these concerns, Dr. Kang urged parents to encourage a balanced approach to technology use. “We are losing those micro moments of social connection, and loneliness is on the rise along with other mental health issues, including social anxiety,” she said. “So I would suggest the priority, in all cases, being upping the socialization.”

As the Surrey School District embarks on this innovative approach, the community awaits to see how it will shape the educational landscape and support student needs in the evolving digital age.