VIRTUAL SCHOOL
What lessons were learned? by Tali Benjamin
In March of 2020, metro Atlanta went into lockdown mode. For kids, that meant adjusting to learning virtually. For teachers, it meant flipping things on their head with absolutely no warning. For parents, it meant managing the regular stresses of work and home life with the added pressure of being timekeeper, tech support and assistant teacher. Most of us are very glad school is back in session. For some, virtual learning worked well. It allowed flexibility of schedules and location, along with more family time. So, now that we are living in a world where virtual school has been a common experience, what did we learn from it? What elements of virtual school will stick even with the majority of kids “back in the building?”
30 Atlanta Parent
January 2022
Flexibility “Being able to attend school while at the beach or in an RV was something we liked about virtual learning,” notes Alpharetta mom Ashley Hake. When her family resumed in-person school in August, she was glad that Fulton County instituted the option for families to take five digital days per semester. “This way, if we want to travel on a non-holiday weekend, we can,” she says.
Schedule Setting While flexibility is nice, we also learned that kids (and adults) still need basic structure to their days and weeks. Having set schedules sets expectations and helps with time management. For kids, it’s also about knowing that the school day will end and there will be time for fun. So, whether it’s virtual learning or in-person learning, we know that schedules are here to stay!
Teachers are Important Both in-person and online, teachers are key to successful learning and student development. While parents had to help and be more involved in their children’s education than usual, virtual learning made it very obvious how much teachers do day in and day out. “During the pandemic, teachers worked so hard to be creative and keep students engaged,” says Roni Appleby, a mother of two from Peachtree Corners. “I always appreciated my kids’ teachers, but now I am even more thankful for what they do!”
[ Focus on Education ]
Technology It’s 2022, so obviously technology in schools and as part of learning is nothing new, but virtual learning showed us that accessibility to devices is integral for student success, as is age-appropriate mastery of technological tools. “When virtual school started in 2020, my son was a first grader and we had a rough time with signing into class, managing his schedule, turning in work and all of that,” says Dunwoody mom Carey Smith. “I am glad that now, as a third grader, he understands the platforms he needs to use and can manage most of that stuff on his own.” Many metro Atlanta school systems now provide each student with iPads or other devices. The familiarity with technology and being able to interact virtually may also help this generation of students be more prepared for the world of virtually-based jobs that is growing every year.
atlantaparent.com
