If Gov. Greg Abbott approves a bill that expands and funds virtual learning, the Harlandale Independent School District said it’s already working on establishing its own online learning program.

The events were organized by Senior Planet, a nonprofit that helps older adults bridge the digital divide, and the Latino Collection and Resource Center at the San Antonio Public Library. DeAnne Cuellar, state director of Older Adults Technology Services, said since the information was posted on the Senior Planet website, the response has been overwhelming. “Lots of curiosity from people outside of San Antonio,” Cuellar said. Lawrence Lucido, a member of Senior Planet, said he’s among many others who are excited about the program. “We as the whole country are experiencing a collective loss right now.”Cuellar said the free sessions can be viewed by anyone on the Senior Planet website and on its Facebook page.

The Deal Guy, Matt Granite, has the tips and tech that might help you get over the hump. When searching don’t search for “Chromebook.” Search for “laptops," you’ll get more results and great deals. He says they’re better quality, and right now, they’re on sale. Need better wifi? For all of Matt’s daily deals out The Deal Guy website here.

Whether your children have already begun their school year or you’re still preparing, due to delays, there are many who are choosing to keep their kids home to learn as the coronavirus pandemic rages on. Parents are doing their best to adapt, and we applaud every parent for the decision they’re making -- regardless of what that is. But for those who are keeping kids home for virtual learning, we want to see exactly how you’re adapting. What does the “classroom” you’ve created look like? We’d love to see what kinds of ideas parents have come up with, and we have a feeling other parents might appreciate some good ideas, too.

At least a third of children couldn’t access remote learning when the COVID-19 pandemic closed schools, creating “a global education emergency,” the U.N. children’s agency said. At the height of lockdowns meant to curb the pandemic, nearly 1.5 billion children were affected by school closures, UNICEF said. “For at least 463 million children whose schools closed due to COVID-19, there was no such a thing as remote learning,” UNICEF Executive Director Henrietta Fore said. The highest number of children affection by region were in South Asia, at least 147 million, according to the report. The youngest children are also most likely to miss out on remote learning during critical years, the report said, largely due to challenges and limitations to online learning for young children and lack of assets at home.

The GMSA anchors interview Doug Shudde, Director, Academic Technology for NISD. He discusses virtual learning etiquette. If you need help with the Public File, call 210-351-1241.