How High Schoolers are reacting to online school
What a students virtual school setup may look like.
September 25, 2020
School is one of the main things that has been affected during the pandemic, as it is a huge gathering of people. However, education is too important for COVID-19 to restrict it.
This past year has been extremely challenging for high school students while schools pivot to the easiest option by using online tools such as Microsoft Teams to help students be more engaged in their classes while staying safe at home. Students are trying to adapt to the new digital systems which has many negative outcomes. Technology also comes across many issues daily and it affects the way students retain information and get work done.
High school students are having a difficult time adjusting to their new learning environments and finding positive reasons to learn from home. One of the best things about going to school is seeing your peers and being social, especially in high school. Doing school digitally means staying at home all day. It’s obvious that students are constantly staying in their rooms all day and staring at a screen while they are at home. This causes complaints from the students about not being able to socialize with their friends like they would on a regular school day.
Many high schoolers have been polled about their online learning experiences and most results were negative. According to The New York Times, many teens feel like the workload is overwhelming and they are missing out on their high school experience. One student in particular, Stephan T. Easton, says, “I find it impossible to actually learn anything new through the distance learning.” Doing assignments online is challenging because you have to teach yourself about the topic and it’s sometimes hard to find the usual help from teachers or classmates. He feels that it’s easier to be less stressed about deadlines when you’re at home but teachers are still putting a huge workload on students and some teens have a more difficult time staying organized and keeping track with work than others.
For other students, having this time to do school in a more comfortable environment has positive outcomes such as making their own schedule throughout the day or logging onto a class in the comfort of their own bed. While there are some positive outcomes, most high schoolers still prefer to be at school in a more effective learning environment, even during a crazy pandemic.
Elementary and middle school students are also experiencing many challenges. Click here to see Rachel Sandstrom’s article about how they are adapting to online school.
Leigh • Oct 26, 2020 at 10:04 am
It is certainly a tough road to navigate. There is a lot more to attending in-person learning than simply mastering standards. Schools provide students with environments that nurture the whole child. It is challenging to replicate what in-person learning looks like in a virtual setting, but I am proud of what our educators and schools have done with very little planning and know-how. I’m fortunate to live and work in a county that offers families both options. I get to see both perspectives and appreciate that we honor families needs whether they choose face-to-face or virtual. I think having a choice is key in helping parents and students determine what is best for their families. I hope that as we move forward and keep these experiences in hindsight, our education systems will learn and plan for creating the best experiences for students.
Linda Touart • Oct 20, 2020 at 12:05 pm
It is absolutely possible for schools to resume on-campus learning with proper protocols in place and access to the funding necessary to provide effective cleaning and sanitizing. The current remote learning platform is flawed as academic success is based on students’ ability to work independently while managing excessive screen time, social isolation, decreased physical activity and an emotional rollercoaster of plummeting self esteem and heightened anxiety. Let’s make our children and educators a top priority and provide them the tools and support they need to safely return to in-person learning.
Rebekah • Oct 16, 2020 at 6:35 pm
It must be difficult for students to be self- motivated, not to mention excited, about learning curricula at home. So, hats off to students who are persevering! It’s encouraging that some in-person instruction is being accomplished and I’m hopeful it will continue and become the norm once again.
Lauren • Oct 16, 2020 at 2:49 pm
Agreed. Just thankful you all are able to return back to school despite having to wear masks all day which I know must be so distracting. Hoping that things can return to a more comfortable normal here in the very near future!
Kirby • Oct 16, 2020 at 2:38 pm
Well said. It is important for students (like you) to make sure their voices are heard so you can be a part of the solution.
Emily • Oct 16, 2020 at 1:42 pm
I hate this is the situation for you and most of your peers around the country. I am hopeful in-person learning will resume again soon!
Trusdell Fouts • Oct 16, 2020 at 1:18 pm
Agreed… during these difficult times, schools need to make sure they help students safely interact socially rather than just provide the academic portion of attending high school. Both are critical.
Joseph Steen • Oct 16, 2020 at 1:03 pm
The stresses this global health crisis has put on all students will have negative effects for the entire generation for years to come. From elementary students possibly getting their first interaction with large groups of their peers, middle schoolers going through major physical development without other to share with and lean on privately, high schoolers entering adulthood and even college kids getting their first real world experience. The lack of social interaction will like delay development skills, decrease self esteem, increase social anxiety, and possibly worse emotional and physical development. Schools need to look to find ways to help students and parents with safe alternatives to getting students the interaction they need. We are a social animal and without our social interaction we are a society likely to fail. It’s not that dire today but much more of this and the threats will be realized in the not too near future.