This is a great article. As a parent of a child in dedicated virtual learning for more than a year, the daily tears are real. My child is doing well academically, but only because we are home and have the space and time to teach her.
One key thing that has had me furious all year has been something you mentioned briefly in your article... That parents that chose the virtual learning option were going to be given an opportunity to switch back. Other than two weeks after school started, there was really no option to return to in person learning. A total mislead by the government. Not to mention that every time there was any discussion of the in person schools closing for a period, virtual parents had/have to endure an onslaught of media talking about the harm done to the mental health of students who don't have the opportunity to go to in person school. At our school, that amounted to 40% of the students, who, according to Mr Lecce et al, have been suffering emotionally and mentally for more than a year with no end in sight and nary a mention. Arg.
Thanks for reading, Elissa. I'm sorry it's been tough. I didn't have experience with trying to switch from online to in-person myself although I did notice a few students leaving and joining my children's classes at different points. I'm really hoping for a better situation in Sept. And no hybrid! Good luck to your family
Hybrid learning may not be ideal, but it is often necessary. I teach a grad class to teachers with some attending in person and some online. Those online could typically could not come to the face to face class. In this situation it is their best option. Are some k12 students in the same situation? Interviews are also a ]weak methodology for evaluating an educational strategy. If hybrid approaches continue, researchers need to collect better data than personal opinions
Data exists and I look to experts including Beyhan (quoted here), Annie Kidder, Charles Pascal for their opinions. I take their cues because I believe in the work of experts. Also, data includes lived experience. That's the reality in the classroom.
THANK YOU SO MUCH! Parents are just praying that Sept will be okay and are just so exhausted - but yet we really are heading into the darkest time...... we are at dark side of the moon territory - and if we don’t stop it now I don’t even have faith that a Liberal or NDP gov’t - IF either can defeat Ford - will actually change it. They will tinker and fuss - and our kids will NEVER get what they should!!!! Man I am so angry. Thanks for the links because I am bringing this to every parent I know to encourage (force) them to fight back NOW.
This is a great article. As a parent of a child in dedicated virtual learning for more than a year, the daily tears are real. My child is doing well academically, but only because we are home and have the space and time to teach her.
One key thing that has had me furious all year has been something you mentioned briefly in your article... That parents that chose the virtual learning option were going to be given an opportunity to switch back. Other than two weeks after school started, there was really no option to return to in person learning. A total mislead by the government. Not to mention that every time there was any discussion of the in person schools closing for a period, virtual parents had/have to endure an onslaught of media talking about the harm done to the mental health of students who don't have the opportunity to go to in person school. At our school, that amounted to 40% of the students, who, according to Mr Lecce et al, have been suffering emotionally and mentally for more than a year with no end in sight and nary a mention. Arg.
Thanks for reading, Elissa. I'm sorry it's been tough. I didn't have experience with trying to switch from online to in-person myself although I did notice a few students leaving and joining my children's classes at different points. I'm really hoping for a better situation in Sept. And no hybrid! Good luck to your family
Hybrid learning may not be ideal, but it is often necessary. I teach a grad class to teachers with some attending in person and some online. Those online could typically could not come to the face to face class. In this situation it is their best option. Are some k12 students in the same situation? Interviews are also a ]weak methodology for evaluating an educational strategy. If hybrid approaches continue, researchers need to collect better data than personal opinions
Data exists and I look to experts including Beyhan (quoted here), Annie Kidder, Charles Pascal for their opinions. I take their cues because I believe in the work of experts. Also, data includes lived experience. That's the reality in the classroom.
THANK YOU SO MUCH! Parents are just praying that Sept will be okay and are just so exhausted - but yet we really are heading into the darkest time...... we are at dark side of the moon territory - and if we don’t stop it now I don’t even have faith that a Liberal or NDP gov’t - IF either can defeat Ford - will actually change it. They will tinker and fuss - and our kids will NEVER get what they should!!!! Man I am so angry. Thanks for the links because I am bringing this to every parent I know to encourage (force) them to fight back NOW.
I'm also hoping September will be okay. Thank you for sharing the links and for reading.
Eye-opening. Thanks for this
Thank you for reading, Ariel!