The debate over the end to snow days is not over. Some are unhappy about snow days. Others believe that they are a good tradition to keep. We'll explore the impacts on lower-income households and the cost of changing from snow days to remote education in this article.
New York City plan to scrap snow days
In a new policy, the New York City Department of Education will not allow students to stay home on snow days. Instead, they will offer virtual classes and remote learning. The new system will become effective in the 2021-22 academic year. This plan comes with its own challenges. Weather events could have an impact on the city's power grid. Some schools might lose Internet access.
This decision was widely criticized as being too drastic. In the past, snow days meant late sleeps and playing in the snow. These snowdays will not be as common this year. David C. Banks, NYC School Chancellor, explained that the new policy will allow students to continue learning even in snow.
Alternatives for remote learning
School districts are increasingly adopting remote learning. The New York Department of Education has issued a note addressing remote learning. Many school districts have already made the switch to online classroom instruction, but many are unsure of how remote learning will work on snow days.
Some school districts have chosen to not hold traditional snow days, while others choose to use flexible instructional days. The School District Philadelphia, for instance, decided not to hold traditional snow day for the 2019-20 schoolyear, pointing out that inclement conditions shouldn't cause classes to be cancelled. Neshaminy Superintendent Mark Reilly, Pennsylvania said that snow day is an important rite-of-pass for kids but he doesn't support permanent remote learning.
Impact on lower-income families
Many families of lower income are finding it difficult to meet basic needs as a result of the recent Northeast snowstorm. Budgets already tight can be strained by the extra cost of fuel and supplies. For some families, the absence of school can mean missing three or four meals, putting them at risk of food insecurity. This is particularly true for families with lower incomes who often rely on food assistance and reduced-price lunches to survive.
In an economic study, researchers from the National Bureau of Economic Research found that many children miss school during inclement weather and therefore miss out on learning lessons. Students who are absent on a snow day from school can still learn the lesson. Teachers compensate by moving their lesson plans forward.
Cost of switching to remote learning on a snow day
Schools must think about switching to remote learning when it is snowing. Schools should offer this option for many reasons, according to Connecticut. A snowstorm can knock out power and prevent people from accessing the internet, which can make learning at school impossible. Remote learning can prove to be a viable solution in such situations. Some districts, including the Old Saybrook School District, are considering switching to this learning format. Remote learning gives students the option of choosing their time and place. This allows school districts to avoid expensive and time-consuming scenarios for parents.
It can be costly for schools to switch to online learning on snow days. However, it is an efficient way for them to avoid having to close their doors. Schools have in the past cancelled classes on snow day to comply with their 180-day deadline. It will be possible for schools to use remote learning to meet their mandate on snow days, something that some people don’t enjoy.
FAQ
What is the real value of eLearning?
E-learning makes it possible for learners to learn from anywhere and at any time. It allows them to learn anytime they want and wherever they are.
E-Learning allows the learner to communicate with other learners who share similar interests. This interaction helps to improve communication skills and knowledge exchange.
The use of technology facilitates the transfer of information between the teacher and the student. It is important that the technology used can support the delivery and quality of high-quality content.
E-learning is a cost-saving tool that reduces travel expenses for training purposes.
It allows learners to save time and money while traveling or working.
What equipment do you need for eLearning learning?
It is essential that you set everything up correctly before you start an online class. Adobe Captivate will be your best choice.
You must also make sure that you have the correct software installed. This includes Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Adobe Acrobat Reader, Flash Player, Java Runtime Environment, QuickTime 7, and Shockwave Flash 10.0.
Camtasia Studio is a screen-capture program that TechSmith offers. It allows you monitor what is happening on your computer screen, even while you are doing other things.
Last but not least, you may want to download a WebEx or GoToMeeting web conferencing software. These programs enable you to connect with others who are simultaneously watching the same presentation. They allow you to share your computer with others.
What are some e-learning tools?
Interactive media, such as animation and audio, is the best way to convey learning content.
These media allow learners to interact directly with the content. They also increase learner engagement and retention.
Online courses include text, graphics, sound and interactive features.
These courses may be provided free of charge or for a fee.
The following are examples of eLearning tools:
-
Online courses
-
Virtual classrooms
-
Webinars
-
Podcasts
-
Video tutorials
-
Modules for e-learning that can be done at your own pace
-
Interactive
-
Social networking sites, (SNS).
-
Blogs
-
Wikis
-
Discussion forums
-
Chat rooms
-
Email list
-
Forums
-
Quizzes
-
Polls
-
Questionnaires
What amount of multimedia should an eLearning course have?
This depends on what you're trying to achieve. If you are looking for a quick way to deliver information, then less is probably better. If you're looking to deliver training that helps people do something, however, more might be better.
You must know what you want out of your eLearning course. It is also important to know what learners want from your course. This will enable you to ensure that you have enough content to achieve your objectives.
Here's an example:
To teach people how to use Microsoft Word, it is best to provide lots of examples of text documents. If you are trying to teach people Excel, however, they will need to see many different types.
You also need to consider whether you want to use video or images to illustrate concepts.
Video is great to show people how it works, but not so much for explaining complex topics. Video is also quite expensive to make. Although images are easier to create, they don't have the same emotional impact of a video.
The bottom line is that you must think about your goals before you design an eLearning course.
Statistics
- The UK sample was relatively balanced in terms of gender (56% male) compared to the Gambian group (77% male). (sciencedirect.com)
- India's PC market clocks 9.2% growth to 3.4 million units in the September quarter (economictimes.indiatimes.com)
- E-learning is intended to enhance individual-level performance, and therefore intend to use of e-learning should be predicted by a learner's preference for self-enhancement (Veiga, Floyd, & Dechant, 2001). (sciencedirect.com)
- According to ATD's 2021 State of the Industry report, technology-based learning methods, including e-learning, accounted for 80 percent of learning hours used in 2020. (td.org)
External Links
How To
How does eLearning differ to traditional teaching methods like the classroom?
eLearning is a well-known technology. Many schools still teach the traditional way. But eLearning offers many advantages over traditional teaching methods. Here are some examples.
-
E-learning is cheaper than traditional methods of teaching.
-
Students can learn at their own pace.
-
Teachers don't feel as pressured if they don't have students ready for class.
-
Teachers can easily set up multiple versions of the same course so that each version teaches slightly different concepts.
-
Learning can be done through chat rooms or discussion boards. Learners can also interact with one other and ask questions.
-
Learners can work together on assignments and projects.
-
Learners can view presentations and videos without having to leave the classroom.
-
Online courses are available seven days a semaine, 24 hours a day.
-
Learners can study anyplace, anytime.
-
The learner can always go back to previous lessons.
-
All the progress made by learners can be tracked throughout the year.
-
Learners can get instant feedback on their performance.
-
Learners have the freedom to complete their assignments and projects at any pace that suits them. They can even submit them later, if they so desire.
-
Students can download files containing images, notes, and other materials.
-
Learners can print copies of their assignments and handouts.
-
Learners can save money by buying books and supplies once instead of every term.
-
Studying alone can help learners learn more effectively.
-
Learners can work with others in the same field.
-
Learners can collaborate and share ideas and information.
-
Learning can be done through blogs and articles.
-
Learning can include searching for specific solutions.
-
Learners have the ability to create their own content.
-
Learners can receive help from tutors and peers.
-
Learners can form friendships with people who have similar interests.
-
Learners can improve their writing skills.
-
Learners can solve problems creatively.
-
Public speaking can be practiced by learners.