I saw this on the news today. Some schools are thinking of implementing an E-day instead of a snow day.

For those of you that don't get snow, a snow day is a day off when there's either too much snow for safe driving, or it's too cold. Some places can have 9 or more snow days a year, those kids have to make up the missed days in June.

Here's an article about one school that's already implemented this E-day.

http://www.google.ca/url?sa=t&source...UGSsKg&cad=rja

My main concern was for those people that don't have a computer, or don't have internet access. They did mention in the article that kids without access to a computer would have 2 weeks to finish the assignments that were issued on E-day. I don't think that's fair. If these assignments are to be finished on snow days than won't those that don't have computer access fall behind those that do?

If you want to go further, what about regular classwork? My son is now in 6th grade, he gets a lot of homework that must be done on the computer, using the internet. Thankfully we have a computer and internet access, but can we assume that everyone does? I know that a few kids in his class do not have a computer at home. What do they do? How do they complete their assignments? Yes, there are computers at school, but when they have computer class their time is spent doing the assignment for that class, not other assignments that need to be done on the computer.

So, is this a good idea?

What are your thoughts? Yes to E-days on snow days, or should we leave things the way they've been?

I like the idea of e-days. There should be some way to get everyone on the same page. Most people have internet access but not all. We are only as strong as the weakest link in a chain.. if we all don't have access then it wouldn't be fair for all.
another thought,we live in New Hampshire and get snow days.the problem is that we can't plan when the school year will end every year.if
we want to go on vacation when school is out we have to allow some flex time in case of a lot of snow that year =(
if all our kids had access the teacher could assign homework on any day.. snow or not. Then we could cut the school day every Friday or Monday.. just an idea

I don't hate the idea either, and luckily for me we do have internet access. We do however only have one computer and two kids in school. That's another thing to consider.

The fact is that not everyone can afford a computer or internet access. I really don't think it's unfair to those kids that would lag behind just because their parents can't afford what many people now consider a household appliance.

I think (remembering my youth) that children should be allowed to have snow days and do nothing.
I know many people who have no idea how to use a computer or can afford one, but there is always the library. You can use their computers for a price.:) if you are close enough to get there through the cold and snow.:rolleyes:

I would be against e-days. I'm a great believer in finding non-computer projects for the students to do.

Years ago, before computers, one of the students I tutored was in eighth grade and was sent to me to help her with basic math. The teacher instructed her to take her calculator with her. I said, "No calculator." The principal argued with me. I said, "If she brings a calculator, you'll have to find a different tutor." They wanted me to do the tutoring, and I won. I set up a fantasy department store for her (she loved to shop), and so she learned basic math in practical ways. Using a calculator would have been cheating for her, and would have promoted laziness (which she already had an abundance of).

If the students have to be assigned work for snow days, I'd have that organized and ready to use when the time came. Because some of the students wouldn't have computer access, plus I believe using the Internet makes students lazy, I would come up with hands-on non-electronic activities instead. The students would be graded on their work, and would not have to make up days in June.

I do agree that the teachers should have assignments set up ahead of time, pass them out at the beginning of the year, and when there's a snow day the student has the work at home.

I don't agree that computers make kids lazy. If anything, computer work isn't easy, and it is necessary to learn how to use a computer and use it well. If the kids want to further their education after grade 12 then they'll need computer skills, and most high paying jobs will involve computers. They need to know how to search for information on the web, how to set up basic things, and more.

Both my kids have been learning computer skills since kindergarten and much of Jared's homework is now on the computer. Papers are expected to be written on the computer, along with graphics and links to where he got his information. It's a lot more involved than when I was a kid.

I do agree that they shouldn't be allowed to use the computer to cheat and that basic math skills and reading and writing should be learned without the aid of computers or calculators, but, computers are a very vital part of our world and in order to get ahead in this world, kids need to use them and use them well. The earlier they start and the more they use the computer, the better off they'll be in the long run.

I hate anything where kids HAVE to use computers outside of school.
Back when I was in year 6 (about 12 years ago) I was marked down because my assignment was hand written not typed up on the computer.
My parents couldn't afford a computer and we didn't know anyone with one, it was really unfair.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Altenweg

I don't agree that computers make kids lazy.

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If the teaching is done right and there has been discussion about plagiarism, I agree. Like you said, most jobs today involve computer work of some kind, and kids need to be comfortable with a computer and programs like Word or even Excel (and be able to easily learn company databases).

I guess I'm jaded because of all the AMHD users who post their homework questions and expect us to do their work for them. Too many think they can plagiarize from other sites. We can see that the writing is so over the top that we know the student didn't write it himself.

If I were queen of education, all students would know how to diagram sentences, would have Palmer handwriting instruction, and would know how to put an outline together before they write a paper.

I agree WG. The one thing I do hate about the internet and access to it is that many kids don't need to do the work anymore. They have everything at their fingertips. That's why I'm so proud of AMHD, we don't do their homework, we help them figure it out. It does say a lot about the state of education today that most of those that ask for answers, they don't return when we tell them we won't just give them the answer, we expect them to do the work. Sigh.

When I was a kid I'd have to go to the library to research my papers. Finding the books, the material, doing an outline and actually writing the paper, not just copy and paste. That's one thing I refuse to allow my kids to do. They have to learn the material and write the paper in their own words, how they see it. I'll help them, but only to a point.

One thing I am grateful for is math help. Sadly math is something you have to learn step by step. That's why I hate math. There's no room to be original, it's their way or the highway. I'm so grateful for this site now that Jared is in grade 6. Yes, I'm struggling with grade 6 math, and if it weren't for this site, and Unky, my son would be so far behind he'd be ahead. ;)

The internet is like any other tool. If it's used wisely, it's a wonderful tool, but it shouldn't be the only tool you have in your toolbox. To be well rounded, to actually learn, you have to rely on your brain, not a piece of equipment.

I often wonder what would happen if we had a war and all our electronics, our way of life, was destroyed. Could we survive without computers? Could we even do the basic every day things? Maybe the older generation could, but the new generation? I think they'd be lost. No texting, no computers, I don't think they'd survive. They'd rely on those of us that still remember writing a letter, not an email or text. Those of us that can do math without a calculator. The easier things get the more complicated they become. This is why I refuse to allow my kids to access certain things. No cell phone until they can afford to buy one and pay the monthly payments. They are allowed internet access but only with supervision for fun stuff.

The world has become too tech obsessed. Do kids nowadays even know what the outside world looks like?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by shazamataz

I hate anything where kids HAVE to use computers outside of school.
Back when I was in year 6 (about 12 years ago) I was marked down because my assignment was hand written not typed up on the computer.
My parents couldn't afford a computer and we didn't know anyone with one, it was really unfair.

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That's my main concern Shazzy. Yes, computers are a necessity, but they're still expensive, and internet access isn't cheap either. Some people can barely afford to put a roof over their heads and food on the table, so how can they be expected to own a computer and have internet access, just because they have a school aged child?

Earlier this year Jared had to write a paper. I told him to write it out by hand. His handwriting needs work, and I thought this was the perfect opportunity for him to work on it.

Well the teacher sent me a letter, asking why Jared hadn't typed his paper on the computer. I responded, said that at this time I felt writing it would be better for him, plus, we didn't have ink for our printer, and we couldn't afford to get any.

She responded by saying that Jared could print it out at school, he just had to save the work on a disc.

I wrote back and said that the printer wasn't my issue. I wanted him to write it out, to take that extra bit of time and make that extra bit of effort.

She wrote back saying that handwritten papers made her job tougher and that in future all papers were to be written on the computer. The end. :(

It's not just the students that aren't willing to do things the hard way. The teachers don't want to put forth any extra effort either. Or so it seems. :(

When Jared got his report card a week ago the teacher mentioned his handwriting, and that it needed work. Well duh! I know! But how is it going to get better when the majority of work is done on the computer?

I would offer an option... computer assignments or pencil/paper assignments. Parents can choose which they would prefer for their child to use for snow-day assignments.

I like that idea Doula. That way no one is left out, falling behind.

I really don't have an issue with kids doing work on a snow day. It's just the idea of a E-day that bothers me.

If it's up to the parents to choose, that's fair. I have to say, even though I have a computer and internet, I'd choose the pencil/paper assignments. In the long run I think my kids would be better off that way.