Bibb Schools hand out devices for virtual learning

Bibb County students started picking up their devices for virtual learning Monday.

Evening.

Thanks for joining us for 41nbc news at 6.

I'm tucker sargent.

Shelby has the evening off.

Parents in bibb county took one of the first big steps to starting the school year off with virtual learning today: schools started giving out the devices students will need to stay connected.

41nbc's peyton lewis went to one elementary school, where everyone is getting ready for a school year, like no other.

0:05-0:14 0:32-0:52 1:18-1:33 "it's going to take us all working together to make it as good of an experience as it needs to be."

*standup* parents were able to stop by and pick up a laptop for their student as well as a math book to kick off the virtual school year.

Parents who pick up devices have to abide by the rules of social distancing and wearing masks.

They also have sign a contract agreeing to take care of the computer.

Principal chad thompson says virtual learning will look very similar to what students experienced earlier this year.

"for us, it's going to be a continuation of what we implemented in the spring, we came together as an administrative team and then with input from the teachers to come up with a solid plan, however, we are going to modify a few different things that we did to make sure that we're following through with expectations set at a district level."

The schools will a program called canvas for their virtual classrooms. it's designed as a one-stop solution to help students track assignments and their own progress.

During the distribution at bernd, teachers showed students how to log onto the new program, and how they'll use it for school.

Special education teacher, timika sanders says --right now-- virtual learning is the best option she has to keep her students motivated.

"while we do have virtual learning, there's nothing like in-person learning.

There's nothing like having that connection because that's a part of that student's learning also.

So i am very much looking forward to starting the virtual learning.

Just because i know that learning is so important and we can't wait for it."

While figuring out how her students will learn virtually this year, sanders is also dealing with virtual learning in her own home.

As a mom of two, she is struggling with many of the same decisions most parents are making right now.

Her kids will be attending first and third grade virtually this year.

"personally i've struggled with what to do with my own personal kids, i know how important it is for them to be here learning, however, i'm still concerned about their safety so when i the virtual school year will begin on september 8th for students