Local schools pivot to e-learning during snow days

DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) — After a winter storm dumped snow all over central Illinois, many schools switched to e-learning.

"So instruction continues, even when the students are at home. It helps for continuity of instruction and keeping our curriculum moving in the right direction," said South Fork Principal Steve Groll.

E-learning days have shorter schedules, but they can still be productive for the students.

"Kids were able to login to their first class at 8:25 this morning … we probably had more kids in attendance today than on a normal school day, so that's a plus," said Groll.

But like any technology, there can be occasional struggles.

"We had a couple of kids that ran into some connectivity issues today. But again, nothing we couldn't overcome or deal with," said Groll.

Continuing on schedule and maintaining productivity keeps both instructors and students on task.

"The other added benefit is that we don't add days at the end of the school year," said Groll. "When I was a classroom teacher, I can get a lot more done in August or January than I can in late May or June, because unfortunately at that time of the year, our kids are starting to shut down and get summer brain."