He said educators were busy putting in place contingencies based around experiences involving remote learning.
“Some students have adapted very well to remote learning and generally those students who have had a lot of support at home have done quite well from remote learning,” he said.
“On the other hand, there have been some students from disadvantaged families – such as a lack of access to the internet and not having the family support at home to engage with – who have potentially fallen behind.”
Mr Shaw said he believed remote learning would never replace face-to-face learning and emphasised that going to school was more than just fulfilling curriculum.
“There will be more chances for blended learning, on-site learning and some remote learning this year. The social aspect of school is very big,” he said.
“We have reports from schools that there is an increase in mental-health issues with students because they have not had the social interaction with their peers.
“There are some other things you just can’t do at home, such as practical-type subjects, for example woodworking or automotive studies.
“It is agreed that attending school in person is more beneficial than being at home.”
• The State Government has maintained its support for National Cabinet’s framework to enable students to return to school, face-to-face, on the first day of term one. The Victorian school term starts on January 31, 2022.
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