Virtual Learning - Why Not MCPS?

[Anonymous]

How can so many other school systems implement virtual learning when there are long-predicted prolonged absences.

Every student has a Chromebook.

Is it ideal? No.

Will there be complete equitable participation? No.

Will it prevent school from going well into the summer? Yes.

I just don’t get it.

[Anonymous]

Because MCPS doesn’t prioritize education.

That’s the sad fact.

Anyone who can send their kid elsewhere should do so.

[Anonymous]

Because Taylor’s priority is making stupid snow day videos and not making sure his central office actually plans well so kids can get 180 days of instructional time or take home their Chromebooks in a major storm that was foreseen a week ahead of time.

[Anonymous]

I agree that after the pandemic, schools should know to implement virtual learning for extended closures.

However, BECAUSE of the pandemic, a lot of people are allergic to virtual learning.

So here we are.

[Anonymous]

I always liked playing outside on snow days. I'm glad my kids get to do the same.

[Anonymous]

Before someone chimes in saying that MCPS doesn't have 1:1 Chromebooks, I just want to clarify that we don't have 1:1 Chromebooks in Anne Arundel county either. Students without Chromebooks are expected to use their own devices. In lieu of technology, students are given packets to fill out. It's perfectly doable, but MCPS is against it, using the "it's not equitable" excuse.

Virtual learning is not ideal, but it certainly has the potential to be more meaningful than a handful of 1/2 days tacked onto the year at the end of June, three weeks after seniors have left the building and most of the rest are at camp or on vacation.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I always liked playing outside on snow days. I'm glad my kids get to do the same.

And that's great for the younger kids, but high schoolers really need the instructional time and a lot of have AP exams in May.

[Anonymous]

Did the teacher's union vote against it? I thought they needed time to switch to virtual.

[Anonymous]

Because…equity.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I always liked playing outside on snow days. I'm glad my kids get to do the same.

And that's great for the younger kids, but high schoolers really need the instructional time and a lot of have AP exams in May.

It's good for college level students to be able to study independently for a few days.

[Anonymous]

It’s no longer true that every student has a Chromebook. Some schools returned to the cart model because parents complained about 1:1.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I always liked playing outside on snow days. I'm glad my kids get to do the same.

They've had three days, and will likely have at least two more. How much more playtime do they need?

And besides, it's not great snow for playing anyway, what with the ice and all

[Anonymous]

There is no excuse for not implementing virtual learning when everyone knew that this could/would be a one in ten years type of storm that could disrupt an entire week. I'm seeing other Maryland counties going virtual, yet MCPS (the wealthiest county in MD) can't get it together. The kids should not be in school until June 26, that is JUST ridiculous in this day and age when we HAVE the ability to pivot.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Did the teacher's union vote against it? I thought they needed time to switch to virtual.

The county needed to develop a plan and release it for public comment. They failed to do so.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Because…equity.

Equity should be a good thing. Instead the schools and the county use it an excuse to not do their jobs.