In the modern era, schools have continuously added technology to the classroom. Further yet, technology has seeped outside of the classroom, too. In attempts to maximize education, schools have caused the death of the snow day through virtual learning.
Schools should abolish the practice of virtual days and bring back the traditional snow days.
The Cost of Learning
Virtual learning is less efficient than in-person, so much so that snow days would be a more academically inclined option. Virtual days take place in the home, an environment designed for comfort, not learning.
The lessons on virtual days themselves are not designed for learning; often, they are improvised or planned to be quick and light. This philosophy makes virtual learning more akin to busywork than maximized education.
Instead of half-hearted lessons, have a snow day, and utilize the makeup days that the district already has planned.
Keeping Tradition
Snow days are a valuable part of many people’s childhood; they are something every kid should experience. Several students have a slight memory of playing in the snow in the morning after a fresh coat of snow. This memory is fading, and for some, nonexistent.
The implementation of virtual days in school systems has taken away the traditional snow day. Instead, students sit behind a screen, watching the snow fall, left untouched.
One student recalls the joy of playing in the snow and how the advent of virtual learning has not only hampered that joy but also created stress in completing the disorganized and makeshift assignments.
They do not have Internet
Detractors of snow days may point to the widespread adoption of personal devices that are sent home with students. Subsequently, it can be argued that students have the complete means to participate in virtual learning.
However, the Purdue Center for Regional Development reported that as of 2022, one in ten Indiana households did not have access to the internet.
Furthermore, according to Indiana Public Media, 156 of the 354 public school districts provide a device for every student, only about half of the state.
Solution
An inch of snow does not hurt anyone; school should be in session with little snow. It is the times that snow cripples infrastructure and roads that schools need to shut down, with no virtual day.
In conclusion, snow days are a vital part of many students’ lives and should be brought back. Virtual days are proven to be ineffective. Schools implementing virtual days have taken away the beloved snow days. Though having access to the internet and being provided the material to do schoolwork at home is very convenient, its effectiveness and lack of structure is a poor substitute for snow days.
You can make a change, reach out to your superintendent, and bring back snow days.
