Iowa educator launches virtual learning support center for metro students
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Virtual learning has proven to be a challenge for lots of central Iowa families. KCCI's Tommie Clark has how a local educator came up with a solution for those students.
“This spring, when the pandemic really hit and the kids needed to start doing some virtual learning, my kids needed me,” said Inside Out founder and educator, Aubrey Dooley.
So Dooley oversaw her children's, and several other students', education from her home. That effort grew from the "Inside Out."
“There's just such a big need, and I’m seeing all these desperate pleas from families looking for some kind of creative solution,” explained Dooley.
That's why the day Des Moines students went hybrid, Dooley launched her virtual learning support center. The goal is to offer a more affordable, flexible option for families of any central Iowa school district. It’s geared toward those parents struggling to make remote or hybrid schooling work.
“They have another support layer in their life because really behaviorally, mentally, socially these kids are struggling that way too. So I'd like to kind of be that source, as well as the other teachers that I have,” said Dooley.
Fifteen students from three different metro school districts are already enrolled. Instructors cater to each child's needs, while keeping in contact with their teachers, and offering other enrichment activities.
"I'm getting my problems right, and sometimes a little bit wrong,” said second grade student Ella Gibson.
“We come to our desk. We do get ready before our class. Then we just learn about our math, reading and we learn about our writing,” said second grade student Emmy Shiels.
Each child works out of their own nine-by-nine space. Dooley says it gives students a chance to have fun, be safe and, of course, learn.
“If you didn't go to school you wouldn't be able when you grow up to know anything,” said Shiels.
You can learn more about the virtual learning support center at InsideOutDSM.com.