For hundreds of schools throughout the nation, March 13th, 2020 was the last physical day of school for thousands of students. As a way of accommodating the lack of school, school districts resulted in online school to make up for the lost time in person.
Students either dreaded or enjoyed online school as some schools and classes required the work or had optional work for students that do not have access to the internet. With Zoom or Google Hangout classes in the daytime, students and those who worked at home had a difficult time focusing on their work. Some students still had to work, which added another layer of the stress of keeping healthy, keeping up with work, and keeping up with school assignments.
Pro's and Con's of Online Learning
Pro's:
Can be done anywhere
Can be done anytime (unless there are classes)
More individualized teaching
Affordable
Con's:
Isolated
Can lose focus quickly
Computer literacy is low / Lack of teacher training
Screen time and eye strain increases
The class of 2020 had to lose pivotal moments in their high schools careers like a Senior Prom or a traditional Graduation Ceremony. New traditions were made, since students had to get creative during a time of isolation with their friends including birthday or graduation drive-by's, online band concerts, senior appreciation videos/ graduation, signs for seniors to place on their lawns, etc.. This time apart has made students and adults alike learned how to be more creative with celebrating each other's accomplishments.
The real mystery as with many situations regarding COVID-19 is what are schools going to look like when students return in the fall - if at all? Across the world, schools have reopened for the summertime to receive a "head-start" for the school year as a second wave is possible in the fall. Whether schools open in the United States is determined by the state government and school districts; they have to consider the public health and whether their district has enough resources and preparation to have student return to school.
Practical Precautions Schools Might Take
Staggering mealtimes
Staggering school start/end times
Outdoor classes
Every other day schooling
Supplementing physical and online learning
Reducing class size
Additional attention to water and hygiene facilities
Additional COVID-19 Update
Here are the states of some states in the North Atlantic region:
Sources:
New York Times
CDC.org
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