New York City Public Schools will perform a remote learning "simulation" on June 6, according to authorities.

NYC Snow.Photo byJoseph PearsononUnsplash

The purpose is to stress test the system following a breakdown on a snowy day in February when families waited hours attempting to access remote learning platforms.

The exercise will be held on a professional development day for employees and a day off for students. However, students are encouraged to contribute by logging in, albeit participation is entirely voluntary.

Once online, students and staff will participate in a "non-instructional activity" to assist evaluate the platforms.

NYC Mayor And Banks

In February, Banks and Mayor Eric Adams assured families that the school system was prepared to go virtual on a snow day. However, when thousands of children attempted to log in at the same time, the system collapsed, and many families received error messages.

Banks first accused IBM, which handles authentication for the virtual platforms. A spokesman for IBM stated that the company has been working closely "to provide an optimized remote access experience."

NYCPS Community

We are grateful for the collaborative spirit with which both of our businesses have put the proper people, technology, capacity, and procedures in place to serve the NYCPS community, said Vanessa Hunt, IBM's senior state executive for New York.

Following the epidemic, several students and parents have criticized the idea of replacing snow days with virtual learning opportunities. School administrators have stated that an increase in vacations has led to a tight timetable that leaves little flexibility for non-instructional days, necessitating a shift online during storms or other interruptions.