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How To Get The Most Out Of Online Learning

Andy Falconer
/
Unsplash
Many families across Iowa have opted for online education for their children to start the 2020-2021 school year. In many cases this is uncharted territory that will require patience, communication and a positive attitude.

While the majority of Iowa students will be physically returning to classrooms, at least on a part-time basis, online learning is a very important component of the 2020-2021 school year. On this edition of Talk of Iowa, we explore the pros and cons of learning online and talk about how teachers and students can make the most of it.

When the pandemic struck in March, schools had to go online in a hurry. Districts scrambled to try to equip all of their students with the tools they would need for distance learning and for a lot of students the school year effectively ended in early March.

Iowa school districts spent all summer working hard to come up with their "return to learn" plans, and then a number of districts had to re-work those plans when state guidelines changed. And yes, lawsuits are still pending. Host Charity Nebbe talks with guests about how districts are adjusting plans amid the pandemic, pitfalls to avoid and pointers for getting the most out of online learning.

Guests:

Grant Gerlock, central Iowa reporter, IPR

John Achrazoglou, director of the Education Technology Center with a faculty appointment in the department of teaching and learning at the University of Iowa

Jon Mendoza, director of the virtual campus, Des Moines Public Schools

Tags
EducationCOVID-19
Charity Nebbe is the host of IPR's Talk of Iowa
Rick Brewer was a producer for IPR's Talk of Iowa and River to River