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.<\/p>\n
What exactly is a Virtual Learning Day?<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s an opportunity to extend learning outside the walls of the classroom and allow for students to showcase their independent learning skills and creativity,\u201d said Chief Academic Officer Dr. Kipp Rogers.<\/p>\n
In preparation for the day, teachers will provide students in grades K-12\u00a0assignments that align with the curriculum. These assignments are then to be completed outside of regular class time\u2013 either online or on paper based on their interest and\/or need. Prekindergarten will not have Virtual Learning Day\u00a0assignments.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cFor us, this is a win-win,\u201d Rogers said. \u201cNot 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
Teachers will be communicating the assignments and expectations in the near future. If parents have questions they should contact their child\u2019s teacher or school.<\/p>\n