File photo of the Jordan School District office. (Photo: Steve Landeen, Deseret News)
WEST JORDAN, Utah — With the COVID-19 pandemic behind us, many thought that virtual learning would be a thing of the past. However, for the Jordan School District, virtual learning is still going strong.
Principals from two virtual schools spoke with KSL NewsRadio’s Dave and Dujanovic on Thursday. One reason for virtual learning’s continuing popularity? Amy Anderson, Rocky Peak Virtual Elementary School Teacher said the students get to “work at their own pace.”
“Rocky Peak Elementary connects those three people together,” said Ross Menlove, Principal of Rocky Peak Virtual Elementary School. He was referring to the parent, the student, and the teacher.
Menlove said the connection has his students thriving, even in a virtual setting.
“The students that do the best are kids that have their parent connected with them,” said Menlove.
Menlove said that students can adapt school time around their needs. The lessons are both live and recorded, so students can participate when it works best for them and for their families.
Rocky Peak is a virtual school. But, much like a traditional public school, the students can also go into the classroom for hands-on learning if they want.
Spencer Campbell, Principal of Kelsey Peak Virtual Middle School said that the students that are engaged in virtual schooling are “keeping up” with traditionally enrolled students. He goes on to say that they have an individual plan for each student as they transition from the elementary school to the middle school.
“At the middle school we try to go on one field trip a month,” Campbell said. That way, the students can interact with each other and with the teachers.
And at least for the Jordan School District, online learning continues in popularity. More and more students apply to it each year, according to Anderson.
Listen to the entire podcast about virtual learning in the Jordan School District below.