Editorial: Snow days make the news

Even at this time of year, snow days are in the national news. The prediction is that they will soon be a thing of the past.

Snow days are those authorized days away from school because of dramatic winter weather. They are a common interruption to studies in this area.

Despite the turmoil they cause families trying to cover for work or other commitments when children unexpectedly get the day off from school, snow days are rarely met with anything but joy by the kids.

Educators and some parents, however, are less enthusiastic about them. Days lost at school throw off schedules and calendars and threaten financial reimbursement. Snow days can undermine class progress, and they can be expensive for families when trying to arrange for adult supervision. Makeup days can drag the school year well into summer.

The answer to some of these problems which were experienced across the nation this winter is the Internet. With the Internet, schools can be open even when the roads are closed.

Classes are already being held without either the teacher or the student actually in the classroom. Many higher education classes are conducted this way now. The virtual campus is real and widely attended. Advanced classes or classes beyond the normal range of high schools are often based on the Internet.

The possibilities are limitless. One drawback is that many homes do not have computers and quality, high-speed internet access. That, however, is changing rapidly. This is becoming a wired world.

Even rural areas are seeing tremendous improvements in Internet access.

Eventually, snow days may go the way of buggy whips, black and white TVs, telegrams and slide rules.

Nothing will replace the time spent with teachers, but means exist to continue or reinforce the educational experience that are not tied exclusively to the brick and mortar of traditional classrooms.

The ramifications go far beyond making up for snow days.

Gordon Forgey

Publisher