UCS Virtual Veterans hit the ground running

You could call them all a class of virtual veterans.

The students in Edward Fromm’s fourth grade Virtual Academy class have truly hit the ground running as nearly every class member is back for their second year of the on-line program..

The familiarity with the learning platform – plus the addition of some new technology tools – has taken learning to a new online level this year.

“I can't believe the things we are already doing technology wise,” Fromm said. “Just the ability to ‘pass out’ work, watch them work on it in real time, and then give feedback is a great experience and makes it feel like we are back in a regular classroom. In addition, breakout rooms allow us to work in small groups for work and social learning.”

Because of their on-learning experiences from last year, the students have easily mastered programs such as ThinkCentral, McGraw-Hill, and DiscoveryEd – tools used by teachers to support learning. In addition, Fromm said students are accessing new resources to support their work, such as ReadWorks, Epic!, and Kahn Academy. Students are also working in groups with Prodigy and OneNote Class Notebooks to compare and contrast books from their reading series.

Students love the virtual academy for their teacher (“I like that Mr. Fromm is funny and makes class fun”) and the independence and responsibility that come from learning from home.

“I like that it is easier because everything is a click away,” said Edna Taylor.

Addyson Frank keeps learning interesting by altering her learning space.

“When you have breaks you can spend time with family and animals,” she said. “You can also can learn at other houses to change up the environment’”

Parents said virtual academy is giving students valuable skills for their future.

“The virtual academy greatly reduces stress, and teaches a level of self-motivation and independence,” said parent Marria Taylor.

Parent Jennifer Kuzdzal said: “I love spending more time with my kids and watching them learn and grow each day.”

For student Brendan Kuzdzal, learning is all about choice.

“I like that I can work in the comfort of my own home and that I can have anything I want for lunch,” he said.

Source: Utica Community Schools

Http://www.uticak12.org

Superintendent Robert Monroe