Snow days replaced by virtual learning days in the Allamakee Community School District
submitted by the Allamakee Community Education Association
Allamakee Community School District (ACSD) experienced its highly anticipated first snow day January 15 of this year, followed by three more during February. With all of the technology now available, the school district decided to approach snow days a bit differently this year, utilizing Zoom video conferencing with older students and an online program called Seesaw for younger students.
Teachers began preparing and planning weeks in advance when the district first informed them of online learning plans for weather disrupted days. Elementary schools prepared educational packets to send home and posted digital activities for their students on Seesaw and Google classroom. Students could complete their packets and activities throughout the day and interact with their teacher through email or Seesaw messages. Students then turned their packets in when they returned to in-person learning.
One East Elementary School student commented, “I like virtual snow days because I can get my work done and then go play!” The flexible schedule provided for elementary students allows them to continue their learning but also enjoy the snow.
The middle school and high school took a different approach, using a two-hour early out schedule. Beginning at 8:20 a.m., students began to Zoom with their teachers at the beginning of every class time to receive instructions or ask questions in regards to a digital lesson teachers posted online.
Teachers used a variety of online resources available including Edpuzzle, Flipgrid, Quizzizz, Socrative and other programs that have seen frequent use in the last year due to more online learning to present an activity or lesson. The last two hours of the school day teachers worked on future lesson plans and Zoomed or emailed with students who still had questions. Students were able to complete and submit assignments.
The overwhelming majority of students and teachers said that the virtual learning days went well, with only a few technical problems to overcome. Students were exceptional at participating in Zoom video conferences with their teachers or completing work provided either during the day, if they had access to the internet, or the following school day when they were able to connect.
While the days were busy for teachers, they were thankful to have the first experience to know adjustments they needed to make for future virtual learning day lessons. Each virtual lesson improves.
“I thought the experiences went well,” health and physical education teacher at Waukon Middle and High School Tara Stein said. “I was able to see how disciplined students are because it was a required lesson. They either participated and completed lessons or were counted absent and received no credit.”
“With no contact on previous snow days, we would have not seen students for four days (from February 4 to 7),” Waukon Middle School language arts teacher Mary Milewsky noted. “We held productive, continual learning with less interruption.”
With four weather-induced virtual learning days, so far, students and educators continue to evolve into the new realities of school. Teachers agree, students benefit with continuous learning without unexpected interruptions that often slow down the process.
With make-up days a thing of the past, families and staff can now also make more concrete plans for their summer. All in all, virtual weather days are just one major benefit stemming from improved technology and methods.
