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E-Learning’s Potential Scrutinized in Flu Crisis

The closing of hundreds of U.S. schools in recent weeks because of concerns about swine flu underscores the need for administrators to make plans for continuing their students’ education during any extended shutdown, emergency experts and federal officials say.

Fears about a severe flu pandemic had eased as of late last week, but experts say school officials should not just breathe a sigh of relief. They should now review their emergency plans and look, in particular, at how prepared they are for using technology to provide instruction and keep lines of communication open.

“Just because the campus is closed doesn’t mean learning has to come to a halt,” said Massie Ritsch, a spokesman for the U.S. Department of Education. “It’s much easier for us to all stay in touch with...