As a reminder, the first of three Virtual Learning Days for all schools is Monday, Oct. 8. The other two days will occur Nov. 6 and Jan. 28.
What exactly is a Virtual Learning Day?
“It’s an opportunity to extend learning outside the walls of the classroom and allow for students to showcase their independent learning skills and creativity,” said Chief Academic Officer Dr. Kipp Rogers.
In preparation for the day, teachers will provide students in grades K-12 assignments that align with the curriculum. These assignments are then to be completed outside of regular class time– either online or on paper based on their interest and/or need. Prekindergarten will not have Virtual Learning Day assignments.
Unlike regular homework, students can complete their Virtual Learning Day assignments that day or over the course of a designated 10-day window. Teachers, who will be participating in a staff day, will have time to answer student questions either online or via email.
Virtual Learning Days were announced last year as a proactive way for the school division to help bank instructional time to use in cases of school cancellations due to weather conditions as well as to grow students’ capacity for independent learning.
Although students will have non-technological options to complete their assignments, this Virtual Learning Day effort has been made easier with the division becoming 1:1. In addition, the division’s use of online digital resources (including the new learning management system, Schoology, which many teachers are now using) helps students stay engaged even when class is not in session.
“For us, this is a win-win,” Rogers said. “Not only are students proactively engaging in learning in a new and innovative way, they are also helping to address some future needs down the road in case of school closures.”
Teachers will be communicating the assignments and expectations in the near future. If parents have questions they should contact their child’s teacher or school.
For more information about Virtual Learning Days, visit vbschools.com.
How will I get the assignment on paper to do on the computer or you will give the web site please email me
Please contact your classroom teacher.
Will they be counted absent if the assignment is not completed.
Not a fan of this. Not a new way as mentioned, this is the same way college is done. Not every child has an educated parent at home.
I think this is a horrible idea. The virtual learning experience is not a sufficient replacement of a full day at school. My 3rd grade daughter has to complete an environmental project for her day of virtual learning…. I’m really at a loss how the school board thinks this compares to a legitimate day at school. My 9th grade son isn’t going to do his project until a couple days before it’s due. He would rather be at school. I think this is just an oppurtunity for the school board to showcase technology. Please reconsider having traditional make up days or extended school days to make up the time missed.
I totally agree with you smh. I’ve spent the whole day figuring this out how my children would do this Virtual Learning. There’s no link provided in the email! It wasn’t clear where exactly we can find the said assignment! I would also prefer a traditional school days to make up the days missed!
This is the stupidest thing ever. Just a lazy way for a school district to not teach. This just makes me want to pull my kid out of school and teach her at home. Tax dollars for me to teach my kids nice. Is the school district gonna give me tax credit or pay me most likely not
This day I have already asked to take 2 breaks b/c I don’t understand nothing.
Good afternoon, Educator’s
I want to know why my child did not come home with some type of notice letting me know the school has her chrome book for repairs? I want to know why are certain students being selected for the STEM learning program? I would like for my child to participate in these programs, so what is the process for her to attend?
Mrs. Tracy Thornton
Please contact your child’s school.
We couldn’t even log into schoology from home… I am not a fan of this virtual learning…. Its too complicated for children to do on their own at home if they are not used to it. Also they use different devices at school vs. Home. I dont like it.
Since my granddaughter was out of school Friday, will she get the information for the assignment today?
She needs to check with her classroom teacher.
I am not happy about this type of school day. It is mostly a day of the parent doing the work (with my daughters assignment), requesting us to go on a family trip $$, which we do not have the time or money right now to do, plan an all day itinerary with expenses and mileage, ect. This needs to be a teacher, in school led protect, and student performance encouraged for work that is being reinforced learning so they can do the work on their own… virtual trip included.
I think the “idea” of Virtual learning” is awesome. My question is, what were the guidelines given to the teachers? I loved some of the assignments, they were appropriate and well thought-out. However, others were just basic busy work and VERY time consuming. In fact, today my son is still completing some of the work that was assigned after working for more than 6 hours on Monday, because there was also regular homework to complete. I spoke with a High school teacher and she told me they were advised to give either 90 minutes for A days or 45 minutes for A and B days. I am pretty sure that scenario could be a disaster if 7 or 8 teachers give 45 or 90 minutes of work. Is the English department collaborating with the Science department, I doubt it. I have also spoken to parents of 1st and second graders who were asked to “research” and create a power point project. Some first graders cannot read (this one in particular) so it then becomes a project for the parent to do with the child. This does not emulate a day of school. Going forward with these Virtual Days there needs to specific guidelines given to the teachers. The kids should not have to search, email, google classroom and schoology to find assignments (we are still trying to find one). It should be discussed prior to the Nov 6th date during class. Again, the idea is great but let’s look at this as a learning experience. The teachers need to only assign work for the day it is replacing (since we know what those days are at this point). A and B class assignments in High school is just unacceptable because my son does not go to 8 classes in one day. The way it is being done is not uniform across the city and has made what could have been a great way to teach the kids, into a negative experience. I know many parents of young elementary kids who spent the day doing their child’s project, while their other child had a 5 minute assignment. Let’s be fair and equitable here and use it wisely, with guidelines specific to the day being “made up”. My hope is this can work if it is implemented correctly and not used as a day to pile work on kids because they aren’t in school. Teachers need guidelines, accountability and to communicate with the students in advance. Maybe the ten day window could be 5 days prior and 5 days afterwards…..so it’s not a big secret regarding the actual Virtual day? VBCPS can do better and make this a great way of learning when students are out of school for weather related issues.
Sincerely,
Katherine Nickel M. Ed
I agree with this comment. I am ok with the Virtual Learning, but felt 90min. per class when that is about 7 classes is a bit much for my 6th grader. We spent 2 1/2 hours on math (an hour beyond 90). Then we still had Science, PE, Band, and reading. I think the teachers should collaborate and perhaps do some cross curricular lessons. Assign a reading assignment that connects to the content areas so they all blend. Keep in mind they are completing this without the benefit of a teacher (I know they are available for 45 min. online, but my kids go to daycare that day because I work (as a teacher none-the-less).
Just an FYI… in elementary we are 5 days before and 5 days after which we thought was system wide (apparently not).
The first one worked great for my two at GNM and OLHS. Great communication from schools. Teachers expectations were realistic and the fact they have 10 days creates nice flexibility. Thank you VBS. This type of learning is something that’s progressive and of course kinks can be expected for the first year. More importantly if our children’s teachers can effectively communicate their expectations. This ensures a smooth log onto their computers with no stress to students and parents. I think this is a better solution than adding time to the day.
virtual Learning is unacceptable, instead of teachers teaching the kids it is now the responsibilty for parents to do a job they were not trained for. Education in the country is going down the drain no-one cares about how kids are taught. my son just started middle school,they are supposed to be independent learners why even bother going to school. Parents who have been educated in a different way are supposed to figure out the new methods!!All the schools care about are how many days the kids are in school but whether they are learning something or not doesn’t make any difference.
Amen. Those are my thoughts exactly.I find this virtual learning day to be ridiculous and they should never do it again.
I didn’t receive an instruction on what my elementary student need to do. VBPS, *sigh* disappoint me more: the grading system, the no honor roll, and virtual learning day.
My sixth grader had over 90 minutes in each of her elective classes, to include one class which required her to watch a video, answer questions AND write a 3 paragraph essay on the topic. Both virtual days have resulted in several hours and hours of work for my student. I understand that this day is to substitute being in class but I think the work load is grossly inappropriate.
My experience: My 12 year old son (middle schooler) is unable to stay focused at home for completing his work. For him, home is not associated with work. The 3 virtual learning days he have had so far, he hasn’t completed a single activity. I am wondering if other parents are facing the same issue. Is there a way to send him to school at least when there is staff days? Unfortunately, the VLD is not working for us.
You should reach out to your child’s teacher to see if there is anything that can be done to help your child have a more successful experience.
Having a second grader “select a tradition or holiday that is celebrated in your community and share with the class” is really “have the parent write them a little speech for them to regurgitate” most 2nd graders do not even understand those instructions, and in the three I asked, it was Christmas or Halloween and “i like candy and presents”
I mean, second graders “make a presentation in google slides”?
Virtual learning day seems like it is code for “We need a teacher work day but don’t want to extend the school year”