BUNCOMBE COUNTY, N.C. — As we’ve seen all across the state, many schools are still teaching students virtually.

The decision to go remote didn’t just impact teachers and students, it also impacted outside programs that go to schools and educate students on a weekly or monthly basis.  

The Western North Caroline Nature Center teaches a science program to students in the area. Before the pandemic, instructors would teach in-person.

Now, after having to adapt, they're bringing students important lessons on wildlife online.

They're using webcams, a green screen, and online programs instead of worksheets.  
 
It isn't how Tori Duvall imagined she would be teaching students in 2021, but she does her best to keep her students engaged.

In March, when the shutdown happened, Duvall was working from home, teaching students from her bedroom with a sheet hung up on the wall behind her.
 
She says there was a lot of learning to do in the spring and summer. She had to learn about technology and how to reach students on a new platform.

"I was never a big tech person, but I suddenly am now," Duvall says.
 
She says her students were always tech savvy, so she never had to worry about that.
 
"They know what they're doing, and they want to engage with that technology, so that's been a big learning curve for me, but I think it's really improved my teaching," Duvall says.
 
She feels pretty confident now, almost a year later of adapting and teaching herself how to spread information in this new digital way.
 
"I have the greatest job in the world," Duvall says. "Sometimes I feel like I annoy people with how much I brag about how much I love my job.”
 
The students' favorite part is always when she brings an animal out for them to meet. She's still able to do this over Google Meet.
 
It’s their enthusiasm and eagerness to learn, that puts a smile on Duval's face — making all the adapting worth it.

Since going virtual, the WNC Nature Center is now able to offer science courses to students all across the state, from the mountains to the coast.  

If schools are interested, they can reach out to the nature center on their website.

The nature center is open for visitors to come see the rescued animals like red pandas, snakes, box turtles, red foxes and more.