On Monday, October 8, Tallwood students will have their first Virtual Learning Day.

On Virtual Learning Days, teachers will post assignments online that are designed to replicate the learning experiences students would receive in the classroom, but will give students a chance to get used to new technological features from the comfort of their own home and on their own time and schedule.

Students will not be expected to come to school on virtual learning days, but they will have online assignments given by their teachers for the students to complete. Students have the option of completing their assignments on the Virtual Learning Day or within a certain ten-day window. This grants students some flexibility in completing their assigned work and allows for ample time and opportunity should anything prevent them from completing their work on the Virtual Learning Day.

Students that don’t have access to internet at home or experience any difficulties are encouraged not to worry, for Virtual Learning Day assignments can be completed in multiple ways.

“These assignments can be completed online or using traditional paper and pencil,” assured Dr. Avila, Tallwood’s principal.  

As we gradually move toward a system of increasingly non-traditional learning, it is necessary for students to hone their independent-learning skills and practice with various methods and styles of learning, as this will be a valuable skill in students’ futures.

“The purpose of the Virtual Learning Days is to build time into the school calendar and to grow students’ independent learning using the technologies they have been provided,” explained Avila.

Virtual Learning Days also grant schools some flexibility in scheduling changes due to inclement weather, as schools can still bank instructional time. The current Virtual Learning Days that are in place for this year will offset the need for a few makeup days.

Students should be aware of upcoming Virtual Learning days. October 8 will be a virtual A-day, in which students will complete their A day work, and students will have a virtual B-day on November 6. There will also be a third Virtual Learning Day this school year on January 28.

Citations

Boykin, Nick. “Virginia Beach Schools Launch Virtual Learning Days for 2018-19 School Year.” WTKR.com, 10 May 2018, wtkr.com/2018/05/10/virginia-beach-schools-launch-virtual-learning-days-for-2018-19-school-year/.

“Virginia Beach City Public Schools News Release.” Virginia Beach City Public Schools – Middle School Sports Central, 10 May 2018, www2.vbschools.com/press_releases/prfy18/057.html.

Click here to access other articles in Volume 4, Issue 1 of The Roaring Gazette.