Teachers at South are prepared for the possible e-learning days. Ever since MCCSC gained about $25 million through COVID relief funds, about $560,000 was spent on technology items, including TVs and cameras. As a result, these TVs and cameras were installed onto the walls of classrooms, and teachers can record and live-stream classes for students at home to watch. Students can watch the live classes during the snow days, and if they’re absent during a normal school day. Despite some difficulties, teachers are ready to work when an e-learning day arrives.
Kevin Sparks, the computer coordinator, explained that “…snow days [have] to be made up for school [because]…In the past, we’ve missed multiple days and many school counties have been ahead of us. It also eats into your summer and…into your trimesters, and affects your start and end dates.”
Additionally, Sparks added that “E-learning is close to a full day of school. It is more hands-off, and laid back for teachers…The day goes by quicker for everyone. It depends on how the teacher uses their time to teach an online class.”
Leigh Ann Walls, an English teacher, shared her thoughts about recording live for students. “I am comfortable recording myself just because of being online the last couple of years and it doesn’t bother me,” Walls said.
Walls also explained one flaw when students watch her pre-recorded videos. “…when I’m teaching from the camera, sometimes things can be out of context from the perspective of the student watching the videos.”
Matt Norris, a history teacher, explained that the shift to e-learning can be “plausible whether or not kids come to school as long as they’re online doing school work.” However, the attendance policy isn’t the same today, and now, students will be marked absent if they’re not present in the building.
Not only have teachers given their thoughts about e-learning but students have also shared their opinions about online school at home.
Senior Jessica Berger explained how, in the past, e-learning has helped her. “Zoom meetings were nice to pop in and watch, and it helped with my school work.”
However, Berger argued that e-learning shouldn’t be fused into snow days. “I hate it, on a personal level, because I want the days off, and if you are sick, it’s hard to come back. It’s a small break. We deserve it.”
Junior Ben Hoover agreed that e-learning is the right decision for replacing snow days. “I think it is. As much as I love having snow days, you’re really not doing a whole lot for one day. E-learning days usually go by fast and 90% of the time you don’t have to do a whole lot depending on your teachers.”
Students have access to Microsoft Teams and can find the link to join live classes from their teachers on Canvas. If students need reassurance on finding the link or getting Microsoft Teams, teachers are there to help with any problems.
