Charleroi becoming leader in virtual learning

By TAYLOR BROWN

tbrown@yourmvi.com

The Charleroi Area School District hopes to become a model for virtual learning. 

Director of Technology Samantha L. Shinsky recently provided an update to the school board to show advancements the district has made through the pandemic and beyond.

Shinsky said it’s an exciting time for the district. 

“Despite the challenging times we have been facing, there are many exciting things going on,” Shinsky said. “… We are looking to a bright future.” 

In the past three years, the district has upgraded its common-use website, which offers resources to parents, students and staff such as areas of professional development and tips and tricks to navigate Google Suites, which the district has used to enhance online learning. 

In the past three years, the district has replaced three computer labs and updated its website to provide students and teachers with a better learning experience and give parents and guardians a more user-friendly platform. 

A new mobile application has allowed students, parents and staff to access information at their fingertips. A new wireless network has been enhanced to support the Chromebooks and other technologies students use on a day-to-day basis. 

Teachers, who were previously using laptops more than a decade old, received new devices. Classroom aides have also been equipped with laptops to enhance remote learning.

In all, more than 1,400 Chromebooks, 800 of which are brand new, have been distributed to students.

All devices have been equipped with security software that provides features to secure information on or off campus. 

To read the rest of the story, please see a copy of Friday’s Mon Valley Independent, call 724-314-0035 to subscribe or subscribe to our online edition at http://monvalleyindependent.com.