The new normal: How virtual learning can benefit K-12 students

ABSTRACT Although we can be proud of the way that K-12 educators and students battled the COVID-19 online learning storm, the experience may not provide the most representative version of what “online learning” can be. Many teachers, students, and parents were left with a distaste for this experience even though the emergency shift varied extensively from true virtual learning. It is important to consider how to best facilitate the movement toward true online education as the situations we have experienced during the pandemic are not going to end. Many schools are regularly implementing virtual learning for circumstances that would traditionally cause a break in learning, such as snow days. In order to take advantage of all that virtual learning can offer, it is key to explore some of the most effective virtual learning practices.