My Forsyth _ Spring 2023

Virtual Education:
SEEING IS BELIEVING
By JoriAnna Gibson and Ayumi Bryan, Ed.S.
Forsyth Virtual Academy is continually on the lookout for how to connect their learners in creative and meaningful
ways. This was evident recently, as they hosted an event for their virtual elementary students, grades kindergarten
through fifth grade. Oftentimes, when families think of virtual education, they think of the beginning of the pandemic,
and being forced to start learning on their computers from home with their children. However, this virtual approach
is refreshing by comparison. Live lessons and conferences are held daily with students, and support is given at a
rapid rate. Classes are intimate and lessons are tailored to the individuals to be able to differentiate the content to
their learning needs and build a sense of belonging and community in the classroom. This event at Forsyth Virtual
Academy was exactly that, one to foster relationships and allow for discovery among their peers.
During the event, students participated in
rotations that included a visit from the Elachee
Nature Center. They were able to get handson
learning with a live corn snake and hear all
about the habitats and animal adaptations that
they have been learning about in the classroom.
Students were able to feel fur pelts, view animal
skeletons, and see reptiles’ shed skin as they
learned about the unique traits and attributes
of each animal, and how they are able to survive
in their various environments in the state of
Georgia. The nature guide gave an enthusiastic
presentation of rivers, swamps, forests, and
oceans, and all of the creatures that they could
encounter in our great state.
Next, students were awed as they were
able to see a firetruck’s ladder fully extended,
towering high above the Academies of Creative
Education building. They were entertained
by a puppet show put on by the firefighters of
Forsyth County Fire Department, and learned
a valuable lesson about how to stay safe and get
low if there was a fire or smoke in their homes.
They spoke about creating a meeting place
44 MYFORSYTHMAG.COM SPRING 2023