22-02-2025
Unicoi County school officials discuss effects of virtual learning
UNICOI COUNTY, Tenn. (WJHL) – The halls of Unicoi County Middle School were empty due to students staying home for a virtual learning day, one of many times students had to stay home during this school year.
Between a hurricane, flooding, and snow, Unicoi County Schools have had to close or have virtual learning days for students to keep up.
'We've had a very interrupted school year,' Unicoi County Director of Schools John English said. 'You know, going back to the end of September and the flood and then winter's been challenging so far.'
English says virtual learning days are not ideal, but serve as a 'good backup plan' to keep students engaged when in-person learning is not possible.
Despite the challenges that come with virtual learning, he believes students and teachers are adjusting well.
'There's always going to be glitches. You know, service areas have been a little tough, getting connected. There's always going to be that,' English said. 'But overall, we've been pretty pleased with how effective it's been able to be.'
Teachers have been using Google Meet to have lessons and talk to students who may need extra help. Students have also been able to have assignments online through Google Classroom. For those who may not have strong internet access, adjustments have been made.
Unicoi County Middle School teacher Zach Thompson said he is proud of the work his students have been doing despite being virtual.
'We start with an attendance question, then I have a daily agenda slide that we go over and we talk about major assignments,' Thompson said. 'I always make sure to do a mental health check-in with my kids as well, because being at home is hard. Some of them are taking care of siblings as well and helping them with virtual learning.'
'I believe that my kiddos are working hard, and they are taking every learning opportunity that I provide with them with seriousness, and we will.'
English credits the work of the teachers and setting schedules for students' success.
Unicoi County Middle School Assistant Principal Johnathon Kenny said virtual learning is important because of how long schools had to close due to Hurricane Helene.
'We were not virtual for flooding, we just were out of school,' Kenny said. 'Students did not have access to their Chromebooks as they were here.'
Throughout the challenges, English says they will work with the families who need help during virtual learning until students are back in classrooms.
'We've encouraged them to communicate with us,' English said. 'If they're having those issues, we're going to work with our students and families. We appreciate, you know, everyone working with us, our families and our staff, but our optimum experience is certainly in-person, and that's the goal.'
English also told News Channel 11 that he and the Board of Education are still deciding on when schools will make up the missed days from the storms.
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