How is online learning going?

[Anonymous]

Share what you and your children like and dislike about what your school is doing so far (no need to name schools but please post grade level)

Public schools are faced with many challenges with equity, inclusion, technology, etc., so it looks like online is not working for them if teachers are not allowed to introduce new material. Personally, I’m not interested in my kid being parked in front of a computer all day. We would like flexibility. There are other things we are doing at home that make for great learning. I’m also wondering about grading policies. I think it’s going to be a lot of work for students and teachers without a lot of benefit.

We have not yet started any online learning. It will start after spring break.

[Anonymous]

My kids school (Catholic) is doing an excellent job with elearning. I have been impressed with the communication, organization, content, and the detail in the lessons. The videos are helpful and personal as well, which adds a human aspect. It is obvious the teachers worked very hard, very quickly, to get this up and running so students could continue to learn.

[Anonymous]

We have kids at different schools - mixed results. I'm in technology and have designed virtual learning for many years, so some of the pitfalls I could see coming.

The schools that kept it simpler and focused, it's going better. The teachers seem to execute it on it better and the kids are less frustrated with all the technology changes. Some of the teachers really shined.

The schools that took on too many different technologies - not as impressed. Lots of glitches - too many changes (for middle school students). Was frustrated also when teachers didn't notice their video quality was barely audible or the image in the video was not able to be read and there was no other way to read something. Sigh.

I think that teachers that focused on learning without a screen (in addition to screen) are the best mix. I.e, video /google classroom, then written / reading assignment to do, office hours if needed. Too much screen time is not good. Please don't do all IXL, all online learning tools.

I'm a fan of the schedules that have some flexibility especially juggling multiple kids. Kids need to get outside more especially if things worsen.

[Anonymous]

MS and HS: My kids have been doing it and really enjoy it actually. Most classes they log into google meet or zoom and see the teacher's face, interact with classmates by voice or chat. Those are the best. They all have their text books and dated assignment sheets, and I think as a class they are only one day behind in a few classes. They have the regular load of homework too. So far the only thing they are not doing are quizzes and tests, but I think there is a plan for that coming.

It is a full day, so we don't see a need to add anything on our own, and we have been able to do our own WFH stuff. They haven't needed our help for anything yet, except uploading one art project. DC will also need some help setting up the camera to face time the instrumental teacher to play for him.

During their PE and team sports times, we have them working out in the basement or just getting fresh air in the yard with some spring yard work, car washing, etc. We'll probably scout out an isolated spot for an after school hike if we can (one DC is at risk). They have had plenty of time to gather on line with friends to 'virtual hang out' too.

For us the key to success has been keeping the schedule the same as the school day rotation, otherwise they would start to feel (and act) like they are being forced to do homework on vacation. So far they really do seem to feel like it is a regular school day, and they are accountable to teachers for their timely work, not just us parents -- that makes a huge difference.

[Anonymous]

Reading this makes me so happy that we decided to move DC from MCPS to a private school for HS next year!

[Anonymous]

In our house, it's the long-awaited mashup of Lord of the Flies and the Shining.

[Anonymous]

Our private has been excellent. Granted, our DS is only in kindergarten, but they've provided packets with tons to do. Personalized videos from the teachers, a website for us all to share pics of the kids learning so they can all keep in touch with each other, and daily lessons. Pretty impressed really.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We have kids at different schools - mixed results. I'm in technology and have designed virtual learning for many years, so some of the pitfalls I could see coming.

The schools that kept it simpler and focused, it's going better. The teachers seem to execute it on it better and the kids are less frustrated with all the technology changes. Some of the teachers really shined.

The schools that took on too many different technologies - not as impressed. Lots of glitches - too many changes (for middle school students). Was frustrated also when teachers didn't notice their video quality was barely audible or the image in the video was not able to be read and there was no other way to read something. Sigh.

I think that teachers that focused on learning without a screen (in addition to screen) are the best mix. I.e, video /google classroom, then written / reading assignment to do, office hours if needed. Too much screen time is not good. Please don't do all IXL, all online learning tools.

I'm a fan of the schedules that have some flexibility especially juggling multiple kids. Kids need to get outside more especially if things worsen.

We’re in the same boat. 2 different private schools with same results you’re seeing. At one school, too many kids on their system, so it keeps crashing and homework can’t be turned in, and can’t log in to see what work to do, etc. Also, some teachers are better with technology than others. Some can’t figure out how to lecture with the video.

Whereas, in the other school, it’s been quite seamless.

[Anonymous]

Yesterday was the first day. System could not handle it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My kids school (Catholic) is doing an excellent job with elearning. I have been impressed with the communication, organization, content, and the detail in the lessons. The videos are helpful and personal as well, which adds a human aspect. It is obvious the teachers worked very hard, very quickly, to get this up and running so students could continue to learn.

Same here. I am quite pleased by it and I actually think DD likes having structure to her day. There's also the fact that she can "attend" class while still in bed! I am not liking that she will mute the audio and talk on her phone with classmates...

Other child is in MCPS and is not doing much at all. At least she's in a lower grade.

[Anonymous]

Our school pulled the plug and sent everyone home after school on March 9th. We got the news that we were closing for last week and this week very quickly. Online learning started Monday and it is going well. My daughter misses her friends and wants to be at school, but the school is doing all that it can to keep things going. And my daughter and her classmates are doing an amazing job of keeping their spirits up and keeping a positive attitude.

[Anonymous]

Our DC private has not done a great job with 'distance learning.' Very disappointing. The Middle School in particular is lacking; a scattershot approach. Some teachers not doing anything, others using email and google tools. And most of it is asynchronous. And the administration has adopted what feels like a gaslighting approach in parent updates and really not embracing much responsibility. I acknowledge that this is a challenge for all but I do see plenty of other schools that are handling it much better.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Our DC private has not done a great job with 'distance learning.' Very disappointing. The Middle School in particular is lacking; a scattershot approach. Some teachers not doing anything, others using email and google tools. And most of it is asynchronous. And the administration has adopted what feels like a gaslighting approach in parent updates and really not embracing much responsibility. I acknowledge that this is a challenge for all but I do see plenty of other schools that are handling it much better.

As a teacher and parent, please try to contain your criticism/negativity in these next weeks. Offer courteous and productive feedback to your schools, but remember that this is a very sudden change for the schools. Some of the older teachers don't even use tech much. So be patient.

[Anonymous]

My DC is an 8th grader at a K-8 in Maryland. I think the school is doing a great job with virtual learning. Very organized, no problems with connection. We even had a virtual parent/teacher/student conference yesterday that went really well. Just as good as would have been in person.

[Anonymous]

Our DC is at a K-8 in Alexandria. Upper grades. So far they have done a great job with the distance learning. Today is only the second day but it started with a zoom check in yesterday with one of the teachers and then a video or audio recording and assignment from all other teachers with the days work. Will get a new one each day. This includes specials....

So far so good......