Virtual Learning

In our latest installment of our summer education series, “Closing the COVID Gap,” we explore the coronavirus pandemic’s impact on broadband needs and virtual schooling.

On this West Virginia Morning, education reporter Liz McCormick spoke with Chris Harrington, director of Michigan Virtual Learning Research Institute at Michigan Virtual School, to get some perspective on ways to have successful virtual learning – and the importance of reliable internet access.

Last year, many West Virginia counties were forced into remote and virtual learning models as COVID-19 spread worsened. Some students struggled with learning from home, but there were also some who thrived. By August 2020, 50,000 students in the Mountain State had signed up for full, virtual learning.

The West Virginia Department of Education announced that 49 counties will be remote learning-only for the week of Dec. 20. State officials rolled out updated data Saturday, Dec. 19 at 5 p.m.

The West Virginia Department of Education announced that 27 counties will be remote learning-only for the week of Dec. 6. State officials rolled out updated data Saturday, Dec. 5 at 5 p.m.

Most schooling has been offered online this semester. Teachers are working hard to improve that experience, but many students are still left behind.

The West Virginia Department of Education announced that 23 counties will be remote learning-only for the week of Nov. 29. State officials rolled out updated data Saturday, Nov. 28 at 5 p.m. Gov. Jim Justice has called for all schools to begin the week in remote learning, with those in green, yellow and gold able to return to in-person or blended learning models on Thursday, Dec. 3.

The West Virginia Department of Education announced that eleven counties will be remote learning-only for the week of Nov. 8. State officials rolled out updated data Saturday, Nov. 7 at 11:20 p.m. — more than six hours later than usual. The West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources told West Virginia Public Broadcasting the delay was “due to further data validation.”

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, many of West Virginia’s K-12 academic competitions have seen some changes this year. Some are completely virtual, some have been canceled, and some have seen some rule changes.

The West Virginia Department of Education wants to gather data on K-12 students across the state, hoping to pinpoint where digital and broadband access is lacking. The hope is to use the data to highlight specific students’ needs when they are learning from home.