As everyone knows already, we have been going through a global pandemic since last February, and the U.S has been on lockdown or experienced closures since March 2020. Basically the country was shut down by most accounts, so by default, many of our nation’s schools have been closed as well.
The education system moved quickly though, and soon after everything shut down, we were back in school, virtually. But the lack of in person instruction has continued and according to Burbio’s online tracker, “more than 75% of all students in Maryland, Oregon, New Mexico, California, Washington and Virginia have only had access to remote learning for the last 10 months.”
Some students adjusted amazingly well and could even argue virtual is better, while other students, not so much.
Jemicy senior Eddie Gibson is one of the students who’d thrived online.
“I have been doing really well in all my virtual classes. I am glad that I have had the opportunity to stay virtual because it has given me lots of time to work on college applications while staying on top of my classwork. Otherwise, it is pretty much the same as being in person, although I would like to see everyone.”
With many schools remaining virtual or hybrid and most activities closed, it’s been really hard for kids, and even adults, to have a decent social life. Experts say a human’s social life is essential to their mental health, especially for younger people.
According to Jemicy’s Bridget Fick, Upper School Director of Education and mom, being in person is much better for the social and emotional health, as well as academic performance, of most students.
“As a parent and an educator, the benefits of in-person learning far outweigh virtual/online learning. The students get to engage with teachers and peers face to face which increases student engagement in the classroom. Students have more opportunities to engage with peers in group work, discussions, and social situations.There are more opportunities for interactive, hands on learning. In the school building, there are less distractions than at home since most households have multiple folks at home. In-person education statistics show greater student attendance and better academic performance.”
Personally, I view my close friends as family and confide in them about many things in my life. They’re a huge part of my support system and I couldn’t imagine my life without them. Many people during and after work, or school, will go and either call or hang out with their friends, talk about their day, the good things and bad things that happened, and genuinely relieve stress by staying connected.
Liza Koh, Upper School Guidance Counselor, said that the social interactions that take place in person are critical.
“There has been a lot of focus on the educational impact of virtual school, but we also have to look at the effects virtual learning has on student’s mental health. A big part of school is the social interactions and when students are not given the opportunity to build these connection, it can take a toll on their mental health.”
Having people that you can go to like that is nearessential, and due to the pandemic, many people’s social lives have been put on hold. I see that virtual school is beneficial to some but not everybody. However, I also see virtual learning as a hindrance which leads students to lose motivation. Students are no longer trying as hard as they used to being that now classes are often pass/ fail and many kids don’t have a way to get extra help.
Even before the pandemic, the success of virtual high school students was in doubt.
According to Denise-Marie Ordway of the Journalist’s Resource, “The report also shows that, on average, 50.1% of virtual high school students graduate within four years, compared with 84% of high school students nationally.”
Newly elected president Joe Biden pledges to open schools in the next 100 days. For many, this will be a welcome and necessary development.
MOOSE PRINTS 