Winter is almost over- we think and we hope anyway! Besides one virtual snow day during last school year, this winter has been the first winter since students have been back in school full time since the pandemic that BCPS has had to utilize their procedure for virtual learning days due to using all of our three built in snow days back in late January.
Years ago after the pandemic, BCPS instated virtual learning days for students for any inclement weather days after three. It operates on a 2-hour delay schedule and keeps students learning while they are safe at home. Rather than fully closing, schools shift to online instructions during times of snow, ice, and extreme cold or whenever weather makes travel unsafe.
However, until this year, BCPS had only had to do this once
On virtual learning days, students are expected to log in from home to complete their assignments and participate in lessons using their provided BCPS devices. Teachers give instructions and provide support through Google Meet. This approach allows academic progress to be maintained while also prioritizing the safety of students and staff.
Back on February 5 BCPS issued a survey out to its community to get feedback on how everyone felt about having virtual learning days after we used up our three traditional snow days. Though many students and parents don’t seem to be big fans, it seems most would rather have virtual days over making them up at the end of the year.
KHS ELA teacher Ms. Glenn states, “It’s okay to do virtual learning here and there. I wouldn’t want to do it long term again.” She believes that, “It’s better than making days up at the end of the school year.”
Virtual learning days reduce the need to make up snow days at the end of the school year. Students benefit from this by continuing to learn without extending time into the summer months. Also, students gain more experience using technology and manage their time effectively.
KHS Mrs. Beck adds, “It’s interesting to see which students engage in virtual and which in class. However, it’s the same as in the classroom, some engage and some don’t.” She has experienced no problems so far and believes, “every now and again it is good for students have to figure things out on their own.” As well as Ms. Glenn, Mrs. Beck also states that virtual learning is, “better than extra days at the end of the school year”.
Students themselves aren’t huge fans of virtual days. “I don’t really like virtual days but at the same time I’d rather have a virtual learning day than make up the missed day later in June,” shares junior Sage H.
Overall, BCPS’s use of virtual learning during inclement weather days balances safety and education for students. Which ensures that they stay engaged and productive even when conditions prevent in-person learning. However, there are concerns with lack of engagement from students and technical difficulties, but those things also exist with in person learning too.
As for the rest of this year though, hopefully winter is on her way out and as for this year we won’t have to worry about anymore virtual learning days.
