In hurricanes’ aftermath, technology eases return to school
Smartphone exchanges, social media, messaging apps and websites rendered students and their teachers at once disconnected and connected in the aftermath of hurricanes Harvey and Irma.
Now, as the hardest-hit schools reopen, advocates of technology that has been growing ever more present in American classrooms say it will only become more important in aiding students scattered by the storms. This recovery, administrators say, has potential to demonstrate how much instruction can carry on outside school walls amid future natural disasters and other disruptions.
“Oh, it was wonderful,” said Gay Foust, who said emailed and texted materials from Houston teacher Kristen McClintock helped Foust’s daughter, who has autism, cope with the disruption of having to stay at a friend’s home when their house flooded during Harvey.
“We’re not in Miss McClintock’s classroom, we’re not in school, and yet she was able to reach out and check on all of her students and offer any kind of help, assistance,” Gay Foust said.