Virtual Snow Days

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm guessing most of the posters in this thread have younger kids? We haven't had many snow days in the past few years. I'm guessing you think snow days were like Snowmaggedon.

I have two high schoolers (12th and 10th grade). 10 years ago when they were in elementary school, the weather was different. It wasn't unheard of to have many 2 hour delays in December (we seemed to get a lot more icy rain back then) and actual snow days.

Yes, we had some actual snow on those snow days. Snow the kids could play in. But many other days, was just brown and muddy out.

If we have a snow day and real snow, sure - I"ll give my kids the day off. But if we have a snow day and one of those brown, icy, slushy days? Sleep in but then hit the books.

It's not just the temptation of snow-- it's the lack of value from virtual. Even adults can't stay engaged over zoom for hours at a time. And given that half+ of the class is going to be out anyway, they're not going to be doing anything useful that day anyway.

Of course there is a value in education regardless of the format. A good teacher can teach anywhere. You are the problem.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm guessing most of the posters in this thread have younger kids? We haven't had many snow days in the past few years. I'm guessing you think snow days were like Snowmaggedon.

I have two high schoolers (12th and 10th grade). 10 years ago when they were in elementary school, the weather was different. It wasn't unheard of to have many 2 hour delays in December (we seemed to get a lot more icy rain back then) and actual snow days.

Yes, we had some actual snow on those snow days. Snow the kids could play in. But many other days, was just brown and muddy out.

If we have a snow day and real snow, sure - I"ll give my kids the day off. But if we have a snow day and one of those brown, icy, slushy days? Sleep in but then hit the books.

It's not just the temptation of snow-- it's the lack of value from virtual. Even adults can't stay engaged over zoom for hours at a time. And given that half+ of the class is going to be out anyway, they're not going to be doing anything useful that day anyway.

Of course there is a value in education regardless of the format. A good teacher can teach anywhere. You are the problem.

+1

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm guessing most of the posters in this thread have younger kids? We haven't had many snow days in the past few years. I'm guessing you think snow days were like Snowmaggedon.

I have two high schoolers (12th and 10th grade). 10 years ago when they were in elementary school, the weather was different. It wasn't unheard of to have many 2 hour delays in December (we seemed to get a lot more icy rain back then) and actual snow days.

Yes, we had some actual snow on those snow days. Snow the kids could play in. But many other days, was just brown and muddy out.

If we have a snow day and real snow, sure - I"ll give my kids the day off. But if we have a snow day and one of those brown, icy, slushy days? Sleep in but then hit the books.

It's not just the temptation of snow-- it's the lack of value from virtual. Even adults can't stay engaged over zoom for hours at a time. And given that half+ of the class is going to be out anyway, they're not going to be doing anything useful that day anyway.

Of course there is a value in education regardless of the format. A good teacher can teach anywhere. You are the problem.

Even when you have a class structured from the beginning to be virtual, with both teachers and students that have opted in to it, it still leads to substantially worse educational outcomes. Just look at the recent data on Virtual Academy.

But this isn't that. Not even close. You have teachers that expected to teach in-person being forced to come up with a new lesson plan for a completely new format, all at the last minute. You have students that aren't interested in virtual, and may not even have the technology or resources at home to participate. And, of course, you have the fact that half the class is going to be absent, so the teachers aren't going to do anything critical that day anyway.

There's going to be near-zero value to virtual snow days, regardless of whether they are done synchronously or asynchronously.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm guessing most of the posters in this thread have younger kids? We haven't had many snow days in the past few years. I'm guessing you think snow days were like Snowmaggedon.

I have two high schoolers (12th and 10th grade). 10 years ago when they were in elementary school, the weather was different. It wasn't unheard of to have many 2 hour delays in December (we seemed to get a lot more icy rain back then) and actual snow days.

Yes, we had some actual snow on those snow days. Snow the kids could play in. But many other days, was just brown and muddy out.

If we have a snow day and real snow, sure - I"ll give my kids the day off. But if we have a snow day and one of those brown, icy, slushy days? Sleep in but then hit the books.

It's not just the temptation of snow-- it's the lack of value from virtual. Even adults can't stay engaged over zoom for hours at a time. And given that half+ of the class is going to be out anyway, they're not going to be doing anything useful that day anyway.

Of course there is a value in education regardless of the format. A good teacher can teach anywhere. You are the problem.

Even when you have a class structured from the beginning to be virtual, with both teachers and students that have opted in to it, it still leads to substantially worse educational outcomes. Just look at the recent data on Virtual Academy.

But this isn't that. Not even close. You have teachers that expected to teach in-person being forced to come up with a new lesson plan for a completely new format, all at the last minute. You have students that aren't interested in virtual, and may not even have the technology or resources at home to participate. And, of course, you have the fact that half the class is going to be absent, so the teachers aren't going to do anything critical that day anyway.

There's going to be near-zero value to virtual snow days, regardless of whether they are done synchronously or asynchronously.

Please stop. It’s not that deep. If you actually read the thread, the “data analysis” was written by a mentally-ill parent who has an ax to grind. If you feel you can become a better teacher, well then you are free to teach your kids on those days. This is the future. This tech is available and it will only get better with time. Anyway, with climate change it’s doubtful we will have any serious snow issues in this area.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My kids won't do virtual anymore ever. It was a waste of time. I hate having them on the computer for that long. Most of the teachers just give a virtual assignment anyways because teachers also hate teaching virtually.

🙄

+1

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Now that MCPS has joined other districts in possibly holding virtual snow days, will you be requiring your children to attend? Classes won't start until at least 11am and be live for about 4.5 hours. I'm a former teacher and I'm leaning towards not having my kids join. By 11 they will already be in full snow day mode and I'm not dragging them inside to hop on a Chromebook. Just curious what others are thinking.

Definitely will make them attend, but my kids thrived in virtual because I was involved and didn't ignore them.

Nice not to have a job, huh?

DP, but my kids (elementary to HS) did well in DL and both parents work full time. But here’s a cookie, because you tried.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:[url]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Now that MCPS has joined other districts in possibly holding virtual snow days, will you be requiring your children to attend? Classes won't start until at least 11am and be live for about 4.5 hours. I'm a former teacher and I'm leaning towards not having my kids join. By 11 they will already be in full snow day mode and I'm not dragging them inside to hop on a Chromebook. Just curious what others are thinking.

Definitely will make them attend, but my kids thrived in virtual because I was involved and didn't ignore them.

Nice not to have a job, huh?

Nah, I work full-time but just prioritize my kids.

Your etsy shop selling "soap" doesn't count as a real job.

I am legitimately so embarrassed for you. Your desperation is palpable and so very unattractive.

-works full-time in the corporate world, with no MLMs, Etsy or “soaps” involved whatsoever.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm guessing most of the posters in this thread have younger kids? We haven't had many snow days in the past few years. I'm guessing you think snow days were like Snowmaggedon.

I have two high schoolers (12th and 10th grade). 10 years ago when they were in elementary school, the weather was different. It wasn't unheard of to have many 2 hour delays in December (we seemed to get a lot more icy rain back then) and actual snow days.

Yes, we had some actual snow on those snow days. Snow the kids could play in. But many other days, was just brown and muddy out.

If we have a snow day and real snow, sure - I"ll give my kids the day off. But if we have a snow day and one of those brown, icy, slushy days? Sleep in but then hit the books.

It's not just the temptation of snow-- it's the lack of value from virtual. Even adults can't stay engaged over zoom for hours at a time. And given that half+ of the class is going to be out anyway, they're not going to be doing anything useful that day anyway.

Of course there is a value in education regardless of the format. A good teacher can teach anywhere. You are the problem.

Even when you have a class structured from the beginning to be virtual, with both teachers and students that have opted in to it, it still leads to substantially worse educational outcomes. Just look at the recent data on Virtual Academy.

But this isn't that. Not even close. You have teachers that expected to teach in-person being forced to come up with a new lesson plan for a completely new format, all at the last minute. You have students that aren't interested in virtual, and may not even have the technology or resources at home to participate. And, of course, you have the fact that half the class is going to be absent, so the teachers aren't going to do anything critical that day anyway.

There's going to be near-zero value to virtual snow days, regardless of whether they are done synchronously or asynchronously.

What are you talking about? All they need is a chromebook or computer. I know all about virtual academy as we’ve been it it and like in person the biggest factor is the teacher. The data was not accurate.

A good teacher can change their lesson plan and it’s no big deal. The problem is not all are good at technology.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm guessing most of the posters in this thread have younger kids? We haven't had many snow days in the past few years. I'm guessing you think snow days were like Snowmaggedon.

I have two high schoolers (12th and 10th grade). 10 years ago when they were in elementary school, the weather was different. It wasn't unheard of to have many 2 hour delays in December (we seemed to get a lot more icy rain back then) and actual snow days.

Yes, we had some actual snow on those snow days. Snow the kids could play in. But many other days, was just brown and muddy out.

If we have a snow day and real snow, sure - I"ll give my kids the day off. But if we have a snow day and one of those brown, icy, slushy days? Sleep in but then hit the books.

It's not just the temptation of snow-- it's the lack of value from virtual. Even adults can't stay engaged over zoom for hours at a time. And given that half+ of the class is going to be out anyway, they're not going to be doing anything useful that day anyway.

Of course there is a value in education regardless of the format. A good teacher can teach anywhere. You are the problem.

Even when you have a class structured from the beginning to be virtual, with both teachers and students that have opted in to it, it still leads to substantially worse educational outcomes. Just look at the recent data on Virtual Academy.

But this isn't that. Not even close. You have teachers that expected to teach in-person being forced to come up with a new lesson plan for a completely new format, all at the last minute. You have students that aren't interested in virtual, and may not even have the technology or resources at home to participate. And, of course, you have the fact that half the class is going to be absent, so the teachers aren't going to do anything critical that day anyway.

There's going to be near-zero value to virtual snow days, regardless of whether they are done synchronously or asynchronously.

Please stop. It’s not that deep. If you actually read the thread, the “data analysis” was written by a mentally-ill parent who has an ax to grind. If you feel you can become a better teacher, well then you are free to teach your kids on those days. This is the future. This tech is available and it will only get better with time. Anyway, with climate change it’s doubtful we will have any serious snow issues in this area.

I was referring to MCPS's own study of the efficacy of VA, not the parent's take on it. And it didn't look good.

Also, the "tech" and resources aren't always available. My kids have never brought home Chromebooks, and don't know how to use them except for a few games they play on them. And I wouldn't be much help given I've never even seen the MCPS chromebooks.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm guessing most of the posters in this thread have younger kids? We haven't had many snow days in the past few years. I'm guessing you think snow days were like Snowmaggedon.

I have two high schoolers (12th and 10th grade). 10 years ago when they were in elementary school, the weather was different. It wasn't unheard of to have many 2 hour delays in December (we seemed to get a lot more icy rain back then) and actual snow days.

Yes, we had some actual snow on those snow days. Snow the kids could play in. But many other days, was just brown and muddy out.

If we have a snow day and real snow, sure - I"ll give my kids the day off. But if we have a snow day and one of those brown, icy, slushy days? Sleep in but then hit the books.

It's not just the temptation of snow-- it's the lack of value from virtual. Even adults can't stay engaged over zoom for hours at a time. And given that half+ of the class is going to be out anyway, they're not going to be doing anything useful that day anyway.

Of course there is a value in education regardless of the format. A good teacher can teach anywhere. You are the problem.

Even when you have a class structured from the beginning to be virtual, with both teachers and students that have opted in to it, it still leads to substantially worse educational outcomes. Just look at the recent data on Virtual Academy.

But this isn't that. Not even close. You have teachers that expected to teach in-person being forced to come up with a new lesson plan for a completely new format, all at the last minute. You have students that aren't interested in virtual, and may not even have the technology or resources at home to participate. And, of course, you have the fact that half the class is going to be absent, so the teachers aren't going to do anything critical that day anyway.

There's going to be near-zero value to virtual snow days, regardless of whether they are done synchronously or asynchronously.

What are you talking about? All they need is a chromebook or computer. I know all about virtual academy as we’ve been it it and like in person the biggest factor is the teacher. The data was not accurate.

A good teacher can change their lesson plan and it’s no big deal. The problem is not all are good at technology.

Teachers, how do you feel about that statement? Is converting an in-person lesson plan to virtual with less than a day's nortice "no big deal"?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:[url]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Now that MCPS has joined other districts in possibly holding virtual snow days, will you be requiring your children to attend? Classes won't start until at least 11am and be live for about 4.5 hours. I'm a former teacher and I'm leaning towards not having my kids join. By 11 they will already be in full snow day mode and I'm not dragging them inside to hop on a Chromebook. Just curious what others are thinking.

Definitely will make them attend, but my kids thrived in virtual because I was involved and didn't ignore them.

Nice not to have a job, huh?

Nah, I work full-time but just prioritize my kids.

Your etsy shop selling "soap" doesn't count as a real job.

I am legitimately so embarrassed for you. Your desperation is palpable and so very unattractive.

-works full-time in the corporate world, with no MLMs, Etsy or “soaps” involved whatsoever.

Sure you do. Totally believable based on how defensively you responded.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Now that MCPS has joined other districts in possibly holding virtual snow days, will you be requiring your children to attend? Classes won't start until at least 11am and be live for about 4.5 hours. I'm a former teacher and I'm leaning towards not having my kids join. By 11 they will already be in full snow day mode and I'm not dragging them inside to hop on a Chromebook. Just curious what others are thinking.

Definitely will make them attend, but my kids thrived in virtual because I was involved and didn't ignore them.

I’d love to hear how you could be involved while working out of the house every day like me and my husband had to. Maybe I can take some pointers for the next pandemic.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Now that MCPS has joined other districts in possibly holding virtual snow days, will you be requiring your children to attend? Classes won't start until at least 11am and be live for about 4.5 hours. I'm a former teacher and I'm leaning towards not having my kids join. By 11 they will already be in full snow day mode and I'm not dragging them inside to hop on a Chromebook. Just curious what others are thinking.

Definitely will make them attend, but my kids thrived in virtual because I was involved and didn't ignore them.

I’d love to hear how you could be involved while working out of the house every day like me and my husband had to. Maybe I can take some pointers for the next pandemic.

I found if I started work early, and my wife started late; we could provide full coverage with minimal inconvenience.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm guessing most of the posters in this thread have younger kids? We haven't had many snow days in the past few years. I'm guessing you think snow days were like Snowmaggedon.

I have two high schoolers (12th and 10th grade). 10 years ago when they were in elementary school, the weather was different. It wasn't unheard of to have many 2 hour delays in December (we seemed to get a lot more icy rain back then) and actual snow days.

Yes, we had some actual snow on those snow days. Snow the kids could play in. But many other days, was just brown and muddy out.

If we have a snow day and real snow, sure - I"ll give my kids the day off. But if we have a snow day and one of those brown, icy, slushy days? Sleep in but then hit the books.

It's not just the temptation of snow-- it's the lack of value from virtual. Even adults can't stay engaged over zoom for hours at a time. And given that half+ of the class is going to be out anyway, they're not going to be doing anything useful that day anyway.

Of course there is a value in education regardless of the format. A good teacher can teach anywhere. You are the problem.

+1

Studies show that is not the case. Students all over America who went virtual lost a lot of ground compared to children who were in school. If it was just the odd bad teacher, it wouldn't be the case.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm guessing most of the posters in this thread have younger kids? We haven't had many snow days in the past few years. I'm guessing you think snow days were like Snowmaggedon.

I have two high schoolers (12th and 10th grade). 10 years ago when they were in elementary school, the weather was different. It wasn't unheard of to have many 2 hour delays in December (we seemed to get a lot more icy rain back then) and actual snow days.

Yes, we had some actual snow on those snow days. Snow the kids could play in. But many other days, was just brown and muddy out.

If we have a snow day and real snow, sure - I"ll give my kids the day off. But if we have a snow day and one of those brown, icy, slushy days? Sleep in but then hit the books.

It's not just the temptation of snow-- it's the lack of value from virtual. Even adults can't stay engaged over zoom for hours at a time. And given that half+ of the class is going to be out anyway, they're not going to be doing anything useful that day anyway.

Of course there is a value in education regardless of the format. A good teacher can teach anywhere. You are the problem.

Studies show that is not the case. Students all over America who went virtual lost a lot of ground compared to children who were in school. If it was just the odd bad teacher, it wouldn't be the case.