Coronavirus Update: Solon Schools Launch Online Learning

SOLON, OH — When Gov. Mike DeWine extended school closures in Ohio, he caused a shift in the Solon Schools education tactics. On Monday, the district moved into "phase two" of its distance learning plan.

"In times of crisis, communities come together. Our Solon Schools community is doing just that," the Solon Schools said in a report to the board of education on Monday evening.

Students throughout the Solon Schools, from preschool to high school, began using Chromebooks to learn remotely on Monday. Lesson plans and educational tools have been shared through the district's website and are being hosted by Google Classroom and other apps.

Over the course of March, Solon teachers were learning how to use digital tools to reach students. A district spokesperson said they wanted every educator to feel comfortable in a new environment.

"Teachers are adjusting using application work," a district spokesperson told Patch. "They’re rethinking how best to allow students to access learning. They’re doing videos for PowerPoint presentations, with voice overs. They’re using a digital tool called Loom, which makes it easier to videotape a lesson. In some cases they’re working collaboratively and alternating which teacher is videotaping a lesson."

The district's educators have been realigning their curriculum to a digital-only format. There are now lesson plans and homework assignments posted for every grade level in the Solon Schools.

"We all look forward to when we’re all back in the classroom together. There’s no substitute," a Solon Schools spokesperson told Patch. "But I definitely think the district will implement more of this technology moving forward. This is pushing us farther along in becoming more comfortable with some of the digital platforms."