SAULT STE. MARIE -- School boards in the Algoma District say the virtual setting for their summer learning programs, is giving it an added boost.
Both the Catholic and public school boards say they have managed to expand their programs to students in more rural communities.
"We've never been able to have students in places like Wawa and Chapleau take part in this before because of the distance from cities, like the Sault," said Nadia Kovacs Huron-Superior Catholic District School Board summer learning administrator. "It's a great learning experience for the staff and the students, to be with other children their age that may not necessarily be in their regular class."
Kovacs says while she hopes to get back to in-person learning next year, feedback from parents and students has been positive.
"It is proving that we're able to deliver in this model and that students are receptive," said Kovacs. "Their attendance is very positive."
That increase in attendance is also being seen by the Algoma District School Board (ADSB) in its summer programming.
"Elementary, I'd say we doubled, almost tripled and then secondary, I'd say we almost doubled," said Marcy Bell, ADSB Superintendent. "There has been some technical difficulties as we work out kinks, but our classrooms have been relatively full, even with those problems and the nice weather!"
Bell said the program has benefitted from earlier complications encountered when the pandemic began.
"Teachers, students and parents have given us valuable feedback, which we've used to improve it," she said.
Bell adds the positive signs could mean that the board will look to implement virtual learning, even after the pandemic concludes.
"Whether it be in September, whether it be next summer, because it can actually open up access to learning that many students haven't been able to access before," said the superintendent.
