Virtual learning still an option as schools get ready to return to in-person class

LA CROSSE, Wis. (WKBT)- School leaders around the area are excited for students to get back in class and not on the computer.

Kim Edwards is the Executive Director of Instructional Services for Holmen Schools.

She says, last year some students struggled with online learning while others excelled.

“You know all kids are individuals so, and for some kids, online learning was a perfect fit for them, they excelled in it. That wasn’t the case for everyone and that’s part of the reason we wanted to offer some choice this year too,” said Executive Director of Instructional Services, Kim Edwards.

The Holmen School District opened a virtual academy because of the pandemic.

Last year about 220 kids enrolled in the virtual academy, this year the number is a lot lower, but the district still wanted to offer students the option.

“Some of the benefits that they’ve talked about are the ability to be flexible with their schedule and we also have a number of students who are traveling due to competitive sports and stuff like that so families use it to their benefit that way as well,” said Edwards.

The La Crosse School District’s Coulee Region Virtual Academy enrolled thousands of students last year according to Principal Garret Zimmerman.

This year the number is closer to 100, but Zimmerman says the students who are enrolled benefit greatly from 0nline learning.

“This year we’re at about 100 students, those students came to us right away at the end of last year and said virtual learning is for me. Whether it was social anxiety or their own self-paced,” said CRVA Principal, Garrett Zimmerman.

The pandemic made learning difficult for some, but for others, it brought a new light on a new way of learning.

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