E-Learning Offers Alternative To Snow Days

By Dr. Marciene Mattleman

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - Everyone this winter is talking about the weather, and school administrators are no exception.

Because school districts by law, must operate a set number of days each school year, cancelling school is done reluctantly. This year, many had little choice.

While students are usually happy for time off, some districts are seizing e-learning as a means of keeping up. In Ohio, teachers must post their lessons online and require students complete work during the next day to meet minimum hours.

Those kind of assignments are increasing rather than having required make-up days at the end of the school year or on vacations, as the Phiiadelphia system is doing during what would have been spring break.

An article in Education Week reports on studies showing a negative effect on achievement on snowy days, and as those days accumulated, particularly at the elementary level.

Teachers who use technology have a response: their work goes with them online.