The end of snow days is a debate that is far from over. Some people dislike the idea of snowdays, while others feel that they are a great tradition that deserves to be preserved. 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's Plan to End Snow Days
New York City Department of Education won't allow students to stay at home on snow days as part of a new policy. Instead, they will offer remote learning and virtual classes. The changes will go into effect during the 2021-22 schoolyear. This plan comes with its own challenges. Severe weather can cause damage to the city's electricity grid. Some schools may lose Internet access.
The country criticized the decision as a drastic step. In the past, snow days meant late sleeps and playing in the snow. Snowdays this year will be rarer. David C. Banks from NYC School explained that the new policy will allow students access to school even when it is snowing.
Alternatives to remote learning
Remote learning is a rising trend in school districts. The New York Department of Education published a note this year regarding remote learning. Although many school districts have already moved to online instruction, some aren't certain how remote learning will be implemented on snow days.
Some school districts opt out of traditional snow day altogether while others use flexible instruction. The School District of Philadelphia, for example, didn't hold traditional snow days for the 2019-20 school year, noting that the inclement weather shouldn't be a reason to cancel classes. Neshaminy, Pennsylvania superintendent Mark Reilly said snow days are an important rite. However, he was against permanent remote learning.
Impact on lower-income families
Many families on lower income have found it hard to cover their basic needs after the recent Northeast snow storm. Not only is it expensive to transport fuel and supplies, but budgets can become even more stretched if school is closed for three to four extra days. Many families find it difficult to go to school because they are unable to eat three or four meals a day. This can put them at risk of becoming food insecure. This is particularly true for families with lower incomes who often rely on food assistance and reduced-price lunches to survive.
Researchers from the National Bureau of Economic Research concluded that many children don't attend school when it is raining and miss out on important lessons. Although students returning to school from a snow day miss the same lesson, teachers make up the difference by revising their lesson plans.
Cost of switching to remote education on a snowday
Schools must be open to the possibility of remote learning in snow days. For a variety reasons, Connecticut recommends schools offer remote learning. It is possible for schools to offer this option in the event of a snowstorm. If power goes out, it can prevent access to the internet. In these situations, remote learning can be an effective solution. Some districts, such as the Old Saybrook school district, are considering a transition to this learning model. Remote learning allows students to choose their own time and location, which can be a benefit for school districts.
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. In the past, schools have often cancelled classes on snow days so they could meet their 180-day mandate. 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 are the different types of e-learning? What are their purpose?
There are three main types of e-learning.
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Content delivery - This type of e-learning aims to provide students with information. Examples include textbooks and lesson plans.
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Instructional design - This type of e-learning focuses on helping learners develop skills. Examples of this include simulations and tutorials.
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Learning management - This type eLearning allows instructors to manage and monitor student activity. Examples include discussion forums and virtual classrooms.
What is eLearning?
E-learning is time-consuming. You must also understand how people learn. Learners should have a clear understanding of what they want from their learning experience.
The content must be informative and engaging. Learning materials should include visual aids such as images, videos, animations, and interactive elements.
E-learning should be engaging and fun. It should place a strong emphasis on motivation for learners. This includes providing feedback for learners working hard to reach their goals and encouraging them.
What is the purpose of eLearning?
E-learning allows learners the opportunity to engage in learning activities from any location and at any hour. They can learn whenever they want, wherever they are.
E-Learning also enables the learner to interact with others who have similar interests. This interaction increases communication skills and knowledge sharing.
The use of technology facilitates the transfer of information between the teacher and the student. The technology should be robust enough that it can deliver high-quality content.
E-learning is a cost-saving tool that reduces travel expenses for training purposes.
This saves time and money because the learner can complete their coursework while they are working or on vacation.
Statistics
- 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)
- Reliability, validity, and descriptive statistics (The Gambia). Empty CellCRAVEMeanSDACBICOEEHABHEHMPEPOPVSESITRAC0.770.635.080.842) in behavioral intention to use e-learning in The Gambia (53%) and the UK (52%), (sciencedirect.com)
- The UK sample was relatively balanced in terms of gender (56% male) compared to the Gambian group (77% male). (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
What type of technology should i use?
There are several options available to you depending on what type of device your learner has.
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Computer-based classes should be delivered via a laptop.
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Mobile devices such as tablets and smartphones can be used to deliver eLearning courses.
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A combination of both mobile devices and computers can be used to deliver courses.
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Some organizations offer eLearning DVDs that can be viewed anywhere.
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Most people prefer to create web pages that allow users to view the material online.
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A hybrid solution is also available where one portion of the course is delivered online and another via CD or DVD.
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Some organizations offer free eLearning courses via the telephone. These can be recorded and re-recorded by the learner.