CLEVELAND — For some parents, students and teachers being virtually connected is easier said than done.
Now, Ohio's PBS stations are stepping up to help. Ohio's public broadcasters have rolled out The Ohio At Home Learning initiative.
It includes daily programs for students plus resources for both teachers and parents, a way to help those without internet access.
"That was the driving force to make sure that we're crossing the digital divide, a lot of kids have internet in the house but not every kid does," said Todd Mesek, Chief Marketing Officer Ideastream.
Learning outside of Ohio schools has been challenging for many educators. Laura Leanza Preston teaches in the Cleveland Heights University Heights District. She has 20 fourth grade students at Boulevard Elementary School.
The District held a distribution day where parents could pick up a computer for their child, but Preston said she has only been able to connect with nine of her students.
Several educators, including Preston, made house calls dropping off supplies, books and materials. Preston is worried about connecting with more than half of her class.
"The other 11, I'm still working to try to connect and engage them," she said.
She said the district is now working to try to reach individual families who have not been engaged in distance learning.
