Hybrid Education

Virtual Learning Creates Obstacles For Learning

Cassie Ford

     Well into the first semester of the 2020-2021 school year, students were still getting used to the different learning environments and digital classrooms. All students were learning online in some capacity because most face-to-face students

attended in person two days a week, leaving the other three days for virtual learning.

     “We continue to track and monitor our students’ performance and reach out to students and families that need support,” said principal Larry Smith, Ed.D.

     Smith also said a students’ engagement with school wasn’t determined by whether they were in-person or virtual.

     “We have some 100 percent virtual students that are logging in every day to every course. We have some whose level of engagement is less than that and the same with our students who are in a hybrid model,” said Smith. “It really just depends on the student.”

     Smith also said he wanted to make sure that learning was happening for all students and that they were engaging with their classes, were able to learn the material and that teachers were doing whatever they could to help.

      Junior Grace Cress said she was at high risk if she caught COVID due to

previous heart issues, so she went all virtual and has struggled keeping up. She said being at home sometimes affected her motivation.

     “It is definitely different than being able to be in the classroom and have help available right then and there,” said Cress.

     Cress said she got a lot of work during the week and worried about finishing her assignments.

     “I’m trying to make myself a schedule so that I do get it all done,” said Cress. “But I do feel that there is, at times, a lot of work to where I don’t think that I will get it done on time.”

      Cress said at home there were other distractions and responsibilities.

     “I don’t have as much accountability at home, and I sometimes also have to help my younger siblings with schoolwork,” said Cress. “It’s harder for me to get my work done at home because I’m not being reminded to do it in person, and it’s just a lot of assignments for one week.”

     Face-to-face freshman Christina Black said being in-person helped her because she’s an auditory learner.

     “I learn and understand better when I can actually hear the teacher talking straight at me,” said Black.

     She also said it wasn’t hard navigating Canvas, but the classwork could be a bit much.

     “I feel like some

classes give me a lot more than others,” said Black. “Most of the work is just busywork anyway.”

     Black said going all virtual would negatively impact her learning because time

management wasn’t her strongest skill and being in-person helped her

motivation.

     “I have a very short attention span, and since nobody is on me about doing my homework, I’m procrastinating more instead of doing my work as I would in class,” said Black

     Smith said he hoped every student had all they needed to learn and succeed, and if not, they would let someone at school know.

     “We just need them to visit with their counselor, visit with their teacher and let us know, and then we will do everything that we can to support them,” said Smith.

 

Cassie Ford