Virtual Solutions to Online Learning Challenges

Owensboro Public Schools is making the reaching out process easier for students in need, with virtual access to school counselors.

Now tracking those big changes and adjustments-- and what they mean-- for all of us-- as a push to return to "life as we once knew it" ... pre- pandemic--- continues across the tri- state our first stop --- the school house.

Where the silent killer --- is disrupting more than the lesson plan.

Our news teams are scattered through-out the tri-state --- for more on the latest threats --- kids could be facing when they log-on for lessons.

We begin tonight - with 44news reporter erran huber --- as virtual lessons -- mean virtually no escape from cyber bullies.

With the new school year, and starting virtually, it looks different for every student.

So, anxiety is probably one of the main things that we see, and a lot of counselors are working on right now.

Not just in owensboro--but across the nation.

With students from coast to coast-- headed to computers instead of the classroom in big numbers-- but security experts warn-- "with that rush, will come increased cyber risks for schools and for their students and families."

Among those risks--cyber bullying and harassment.

With some online lessons--taking a terrifying turn.

"about 10 minutes into the presentation, tabs started popping up.

They said really scary things, like i going to kill you and if you tell your teacher, that theye going to kill me."

Negative encounters and feelings can send any student searching for some extra help.

Here in owensboro-- staff is on standby-- even when class isn't in the building.

"students having access, definitely to more technology, that is an issue that can come up.

I would encourage any student--if you notice that is happening--or as a parent, to reach out to your school counselor.

That is something our school counselors can address."

Owensboro public schools- making that reach out process--easier.

Connecting kids to their schools counselor-- through a roll- out of school specific websites-- with resources and ways to link up--should they need to talk about anything.

If your owensboro virtual student is in need of some extra help navigating all the challenges they may be facing-- we'll have some links to the new virtual resources on our website-- wevv dot com.

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