PSUSD kicks off new school year with virtual learning, so how did it go?

Palm Springs Unified School District students and teachers began their first day of instruction on Wednesday. Teachers are instructing virtually through a computer screen, as kids stay at home and take classes online.

Within the past few weeks, many teachers throughout the district have utilized training opportunities to learn more about how to effectively teach online. Course trainings are set to continue, as specific requests come up from educators on what could be made better.

MORE: Three tips to set your child up for success for virtual learning

"It went well. It was nice to see their faces," Landau Elementary 5th grade teacher, Christina Alaniz said.

Alaniz opted to teach from her classroom, which has become optional for teachers at PSUSD.

Despite not having to be at school physically, the start of the year still brought on some first day jitters.

"It was good, it was a little nerve-wracking going into it because it’s a lot different. It’s like nothing you’ve ever experienced and even though we’re in the comfort of our own homes it was weirdly scarier than actually going on campus." Rancho Mirage High School junior, Gracie Van Dijk said.

Attendance in the district appeared to be better than expected.

"I have 28 students on my roster but I had 24 students attend today which I feel like is huge, it’s awesome considering this new format," Dijk said.

The first day largely proved to be a success, but there were some technological shortfalls.

"My first period of the day the internet wasn’t working so I couldn’t log on and I was like 5, 6 or 7 minutes late to class," Rancho Mirage High School freshman, Ben Van Dijk said.

Ben's sister Gracie had a similar experience.

"I got kicked out and I had to re-download zoom. I re-downloaded and went back in and I was in for a while and got kicked out again," she said.

Aside from regular lesson plans educators have also made social emotional learning a large focus as students work from more isolated environments than what they are used to.

"Really ensuring that students know that we understand and we’re here to support you and we care about you as a human being before we even begin teaching the content," PSUSD Director of Elementary Curriculum & Instruction, Simone Kovats said.

"Two of my teachers in the middle of the class they, well one of them, put on a YouTube video with just a waterfall so you can relax for a second and listen to it," Gracie Van Dijk said.

Being able to gauge the well-being of students has become just as important as students learning the curriculum. I could also vary depending on grade level.

"I feel from a high school parent’s point of view, that we’re in the most fortunate category. I think that high school students can manage themselves pretty well for the most part. They’re all very fluent with technology and they know how to get access to their school drives and they know how to put together class assignments that are virtual," Ben and Gracie's mother, Cara Van Dijk said.

A large concern remains for younger students who are still learning to read and use technology.

Rio Vista Elementary School Principal, Aaron Tarzian believes that's when parent participation is critical.

"We’re going to really rely on them to help set a routine with their kids, to get them where they need to go on the computer everyday," Tarzian said.

"If you are out there and you’re having trouble, I want you to hear from me that all of us want to make sure that you reach out to the teacher, me, your principal, and ask for help to make sure that there is no learning time lost this year."

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