'This too shall pass;' Williamson Co. schools experience tech issues in virtual learning

FRANKLIN, Tenn. (WTVF) — The first day of school in Williamson County started off with a couple hiccups since there were problems with Zoom and a learning software program.

Jeff Woodford was in charge of supervising virtual school for his son, Sam, daughter, Lexi, and their neighbor, Halle.

"Well we started off a little rough, there’s always a problem, but I think internationally Zoom had a problem, so that kind of threw a kink in everybody’s plans, but you just roll with the punches when you’re doing online school."

That's why he thought it would be a good idea to do physical education class since they couldn't talk to their teachers.

"I think I said the principal is going to cancel school, which I was the principal today, but the superintendent, my wife, nixed that plan. I was going to have P.E. in the pool since it’s hot, but she nixed that and said we’re going to figure it out, and the kids are going to do their work,” Woodford said.

The partial Zoom outage was resolved momentarily so students were able to eventually participate in class. "The main thing is, this too shall pass it always does, all crises come and go, and you just gotta roll with it.”

On Monday the rest of elementary school students returned to campus in Williamson County. "Friday is 6th and 9th, my son goes back Friday, my daughter goes back on Monday.”

As part of the phased reopening plan, all traditional students will go back for in-person school on Monday, unless parents aren't comfortable with that due to the pandemic."We’re very fortunate Williamson County offers online learning for those who chose to do so for the whole semester."

There was also a reported problem with Edgenuity, a courseware program. The district posted on Facebook saying it was being investigated.