As I type this, Hurricane Irene is threatening the east coast of the Carolina’s, near our online school’s home base. Public schools closed today in the county in which I reside. As the chatter and mild chaos for most parents ensued over planning for child care during the day (the majority of employers have not closed their doors in our area), it occurred to me that there is yet another reason for online schooling that is often overlooked–weather.
Of course, there are times even the weather has some impact on the virtual schools because teachers or students may need to evacuate their area (and do homework later) but the delivery of education online is rarely disrupted because there is no logistical or safety concern over bus transportation and hundreds or thousands of parents, teachers and administrative staff traveling to and from the physical location of the school.
In extreme cases, the traditional brick and mortar schools can lose days or even weeks of classes because of inclement weather. Hurricanes, tornadoes, heavy rain or snow rarely have any effect on the delivery of online education.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to those who may be affected by Hurricane Irene. We also hope and pray that there is minimal damage to the areas directly impacted by the storm and that the schools in those areas are able to go about their classes in the coming week.
As life returns to normal and children go back to their schools, the thought will still remain in my mind that I am thankful for an educational option that exists online that enables life and lessons to go on, no matter what Mother Nature decides to do next.
