12.16.09
With the first remote or distance learning day last month deemed a success, Tech Valley High School students once again stayed home to learn.
The innovative regional public high school allowed students to stay home on December 15, with the students taking classes online from teachers who “manned” their portals and WebPages at the school.
"It's nice to be able to stay in your pajamas and drink hot cocoa while learning," said freshman Elizabeth Joven of the Catskill schools.
The remote/distance learning days provide an opportunity for teachers to take part in staff
development opportunities, while also providing students with an
opportunity to show they are self-directed and can manage a certain
amount of freedom while still completing assignments and lessons.
The niceties of staying in your pajamas aside, the students said they were also more productive in their own homes.
"I got more work done than if I was in school because I had less distractions," said student Mandi Jung of the Coxsackie-Athens Central School District.
During the remote days, students log-on to the TVHS
portal at 8 a.m. and review their class calendars. The teachers are
available in real-time for questions and clarification from 8 a.m.
until 10:30 a.m. Teachers are also available via email until 3 p.m.
Students are expected to follow the time requirements posted to the
calendars and post individual work in a timely manner. For those
needing to utilize public libraries – sign on as soon as possible,
most libraries open at 9 AM.
The first day was conducted on November 3.
The decision to launch the pilot distance learning program on
November 3, was made after conducting focus groups and researching
effective models last year, said Principal Dan Liebert.
As schools across the country are challenged to be more fiscally and
environmentally responsible, TVHS is accomplishing both with these
days.
Liebert said remote working is nothing new in the ‘real world’ as employers struggle to reduce travel and travel fatigue for their employees, as well as create flexible work environments. By conducting periodic distance learning days, TVHS hopes to teach students the importance of self-direction – a key 21st century skill. It will additionally allow TVHS teachers an opportunity for personal growth as they use the time when they are away from their computers and students for in-service training.
"We had outstanding results in biotechnology with 31 of 33 students
completing all assigned work with good quality. We have some bugs to
work out in the system, but the distance learning concept shows
promise," said teacher Leah Penniman.
Future remote or distance learning days are scheduled for:
• Monday, January 25
• Friday, March 26
• Friday, May 21
