COVID-19 has affected many things, not just the postponement of plans in our personal lives but also our education. This year, students and educational departments all over the world have tried something different: distance learning. According to The Handbook of Research for Educational Communications and Technology, distance education is not a new concept. That being said, except for schools and universities that intentionally offer it, distance learning has not been done for many years. In times like this, schools have options, but in terms of prioritizing the health of everyone, they have to consider adopting or re-adopting distance learning. It may not be the best for everyone, but if it’s the only way to learn right now, what other choice would we have? So how does distance learning affect us, students? Distance learning has brought a rollercoaster of effects to different students. According to Goodwin University, 1 out of every 4 students states that they are better in online classes than in traditional. From data from colleges over the years, many of which have been doing online school for years, trends shows that online learning outcomes are often less successful than in-person learning. "Online students did substantially worse than students in the same face-to-face course: They earned lower grades, were less likely to succeed in subsequent courses, and more likely to drop out," according to the Brookings Institute. Stanford's Graduate School of Business noted similar patterns. This isn't always true for every student, though. For instance, a senior at CV has been more productive and more organized in online learning than in the actual. For others, different distractions from their surroundings have kept them from focusing on their studies. The learning environment has changed, and so have our routines, but it will never change our goal - to learn. In Crescent Valley, some student-athletes have not had sports after school, and many cannot see their friends, thus lesser socialization. This has made them realize the importance of having the ability to have relationships in person. Many people felt like they have been less productive this year, and many have realized that actual classes are better. These two different ways of learning still have pros and cons. It’s just a matter of which one works better for each student. Nevertheless, as students, we should never let this pandemic stop us from doing our best when learning. Perseverance has led us here because we know the importance of education, and coming this far especially during the pandemic is something we should be proud of. The best thing we could do is to make the most out of it, to do our best, and to use what we have right now so that we can achieve and fulfill the purpose of going to school - learning. The Crier had the chance to get in touch with CV students to ask about their experience, which informed this reporting. Here’s some of the quotes from them: “Distance learning has changed my routine a lot. With distance learning I often finish school earlier than I would with normal school. I’m also home a lot more and have more time to focus on my studies. Considering I have more time to complete my work and I have a quiet space at home to focus, I do think that I have been more productive this year. The Canvas Calendar really helps me stay organized and keep track of everything! I think online school has been pretty good. I definitely miss being back in school with everyone, but I think the district organized online learning pretty well. It’s been going good for me!” - Anna Wilson, Senior “I have been so incredibly unproductive, and there is no way I can deny it… I think because the value (grade-wise) in homework has decreased, my brain tricks me into thinking that I shouldn't spend extra time on it. Does that make any sense? You know, for being self-aware, you'd think I'd be more diligent in doing my assignments... I don't want to be all sappy and throw a pity-party for myself, but I will say, I feel as if all my hard work in the years prior has gone down the dump. What's more frustrating (and I'm sure others feel it too), is that prior to COVID, we would work our rear-ends off to turn in work efficiently and on time. Now, especially with the late work policy, I'm kinda questioning everything I have ever done in public education… Actually funny enough, before I transferred schools from Albany to CV, I was heavily considering an online school. Theoretically speaking, online sounds like the dream because you work at your own pace, there is nothing 'socially' to worry about, and you have a whole load of free time on your hands. But now, I absolutely cannot stand hybrid/distance learning. No disrespect to any of the administration since I think they are doing a fantastic job compared to many other districts. There's just something about looking at a blue-lighted screen for 10+ hours that really puts me off from my education. Would I like to be in-person-learning anytime soon? Absolutely the heck not…. Something so valuable that I hold dearly during quarantine is the ability to have face-to-face interaction. Without a doubt, I think every student can agree with this statement. I usually have my camera on for 3/4 of my classes, and although I am semi-engaged in class, it just doesn't feel the same… I've lost touch with a lot of people. Like, a lot. It's been kind of melancholy since March... But, I'd rather pay the price of losing a few friends than risking my family or any other stranger to the virus... but the point is, COVID has made my priorities in life a lot more clearer.” - Maria Fuller, Junior “Distance learning has made me a lot less productive. It is hard to focus on school, and I end up sleeping in a lot later and doing less work. Actual works better for me, as there is more structure and accountability. I learned that online classes allow me to do work whenever I want as long as I get it done. I think online classes are as good as they can be for the time being. I think it is important that we have them so that we can stop the spread of COVID, but I am looking forward to going back to actual when it is safe.” - Iris Miller-Sherman, Junior “I would estimate I've been about the same amount of productive. That's hard to say though what with the workload and everything being very different. I would say that actual school works best for me. It makes it easier to learn things, get instructions, ask questions, and turn in assignments. I've gotten a lot better at figuring out how to navigate things on my Chromebook. I've never been very good at using computers in general, but this whole thing has made it so I had too. I solidly prefer actual school. I miss being able to see people, have classes in person, and participate in clubs (specifically Speech and Debate). Online does have it's benefits though, for instance the commute to school is a lot easier.” - Logan Banks-Palmer, Junior “I have been able to sleep in later and wear sweats everyday to school. I also have not had sports after school. No, I think it has been harder to be productive in online school; [I prefer] actual school. I have learned how important it is to be able to have relationships with people in person. I think that online school is boring and I would rather go to in-person school to see my friends.” - CV Sophomore “I think that distance learning has changed my daily routine in general. It has been a challenge for all to overcome. I think that I am less productive this year. There are countless distractions when you are in another environment. In-person school is definitely better than online school for sure! Fewer distractions and more engagement sessions create the best learning environment. I think that one thing that I have realized while in an online class is that I should turn my camera on, if possible so that the staff can feel like that they are actually teaching a class. I think that [online school] is our only choice for now. We just have to do our best with the given situation, be grateful, be respectful, be responsible, and be safe. Hopefully, everyone can be more compassionate, empathetic, and understanding towards another.” - CV Freshman Works Cited https://www.epi.org/publication/the-consequences-of-the-covid-19 https://usafacts.org/state-of-the-union/education/ http://members.aect.org/edtech/ed1/13/13-02.html https://mycollegeguide.org/blog/2017/05/online-classes-vs-traditional-classes/ https://potomac.edu/top-advantages-of-traditional-education/ https://honestproscons.com/pros-and-cons-of-traditional-schools/ https://www.goodwin.edu/enews/online-classes-vs-traditional-classes/ https://www.brookings.edu/research/who-should-take-online-courses/ https://www.gsb.stanford.edu/faculty-research/publications/virtual-classrooms-how-online-college-courses-affect-student-success#:~:text=Using%20an%20instrumental%20variables%20approach,remain%20enrolled%20at%20the%20university. - Althea Balisi If you want to write for the Crescent Crier, we would love to see you at one of our virtual meetings, which are every Wednesday at 1:30pm! To come to a meeting, fill out this form: https://forms.gle/TrQ5PqFcDqeE2yiB9, and we’ll send you a link ASAP. If you would like to submit a single article - or anything else like creative writing, an opinion, an art piece, photo or photo series, or something else entirely - then you can do that using this form: https://forms.gle/WAHSoWJuVwK3q5du6. If you want to contact us for any reason, you can email
[email protected]. Thanks for reading!
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |