The MORIC's Virtual Learning Service recently launched a fun March Madness inspired activity to help engage our virtual students during the final weeks of winter. Throughout the event, Jana Rogers, MORIC Virtual Learning Specialist, encouraged students to participate in a variety of content-based challenges with their peers across different subject areas. For example, some students practiced persuasive writing by debating and defending their favorite books, while others applied real life math skills by comparing two cell phone plans and discussing the benefits and drawbacks of each. Students interested in social studies could examine the strengths of the Roman Empire versus the Mongol Empire through thoughtful online discussion. These activities encouraged students to strengthen NYS Portrait of a Graduate skills, including critical thinking, communication, and collaboration.