By Robbie Bills
Sports Editor
The Gilmer Virtual Academy is up and running.
District students were given the option to attend traditional face-to-face instruction or learn remotely from home during the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic.
Of the district’s 4,047 students in grades K-12, 875 opted for virtual learning, which equates to roughly 22 percent.
“At this time, all of the students who are participating are in their programs,” chief academic officer Lottie Mitchell said at Monday’s board of education work session.
The district is using two different software programs to educate its students virtually.
“The students in grades 6-12 are using Edgenuity, and the students in K-5 are using Odysseyware,” Mitchell said. “The students on the first day of school were contacted by the facilitator and they’re learning more about the program, learning more about responding to their facilitator and we’ve also had orientation.
“At this time, it is new to all of us and we’re still working out all the kinks, but all of our students are in the program.”
Gilmer High has the most students learning virtually at 303, followed by Clear Creek Middle (219), Mountain View Elementary (153), Ellijay Elementary (102) and Clear Creek Elementary (98).
There were some minor software related issues through the early stages of virtual learning when it came to connectivity and accessing lessons.
“The login issue hasn’t been as much of a problem as grading in Odysseyware,” Mitchell said. “There is a lot of free response, and there is a lot the teacher has to grade before the student can go on, but we’re working on that. I was on a call with academic coaches today. It’s just a new program, and we’re having to become more familiar with it.”
She added, “Considering we’ve never done anything like this before, and we’re sort of in the same boat as everyone else, I think our teachers and administrators are doing a really good job.”
Because GHS has used Edgenuity previously, students who opted for virtual learning began working online the same day face-to-face instruction commenced Aug. 7.
Virtual learning at CCMS started Aug. 13 and elementary students began their online lessons Aug. 14.
From the students’ perspective, they appear engaged and ready to work.
“Some of them want to do more than what the program can provide,” Mitchell said. “One of our facilitators graded all of her assignments and she left Friday and was caught up with grading.
“She came in this morning and the kids had worked all weekend, and they’re not supposed to be doing that. It is self paced, but they’re honestly excited and want to do more.”
Mitchell said she has spoken to academic coaches to ensure parents create a schedule for their child working virtually. Students attending traditional classes have recess, physical education classes and a lunch period. Virtual students should also take breaks from the material.
Students who chose to learn virtually are being asked to do so for at least the first nine weeks. Mitchell and superintendent Dr. Shanna Downs believe more students will want to return to traditional learning after that time has expired.
“I think overall, our students who are doing face to face, the consensus is the students are happy to be there,” Downs said. “They are excited to be back and excited for that structure and are excited to be in a place with their friends.
“There are many moving parts to this to say the least. But I think overall, people have been very patient and very positive about face to face and virtual.”