E-Learning Days

About e-learning day programs

E-learning days, or virtual learning time as it’s sometimes called, has given schools and districts across the U.S. an option for continuing instructional programs away from the traditional brick and mortar setting. E-learning days can be part of an engaging instructional model that that can allow for continuity of learning in spite of weather and other challenges. More importantly, it provides teachers and students the opportunity to engage with digital resources, to collaborate virtually, and to develop digital skills that are used and valued beyond K-12.

Important Considerations

E-learning instructional design requires careful planning. The process of putting together e-learning programs takes a great deal of thought and planning and is not something that should be done in a reactive manner. When planning for e-learning programs, several factors should be considered:

Internet and Device Access: Provide access to digital tools for students and teachers away from buildings.
Online Learning Experience: Ensure all students are engaged with high-quality instruction by providing access to and experience with online platforms and digital learning tools for all teachers, caregivers, and students.
Staff Access: Ensure all staff is directly reachable by students and caregivers to facilitate and support instruction.
Communicating Expectations of Learning: Inform all students and caregivers of the learning targets and expectations of engagement for the e-learning as early as possible.
Work Continuity: Ensure student work covers content that would have been addressed if the school were in session in a brick-and-mortar setting.
Accommodation Support: All students who have accommodations for instruction will be provided with or have access to those accommodations.
Instructional Time: Determine your virtual instructional hours and minutes the same way you would determine your brick-and-mortar instructional hours and minutes.

E-learning days hold promise for allowing schools to continue educating students in situations in which learning would otherwise be disrupted. However, it is also the case that planning, preparing, and implementing eLearning days well requires significant effort, and without significant planning and preparation, eLearning days are unlikely to result in meaningful learning.

If you have more questions about e-learning days, please contact Dorann Avey, Digital Learning Director at dorann.avey@nebraska.gov.