Online School is Decidedly Helpful
Kaia Wolfe (11), sits by computer to start online school for the day. Her tab is opened on Canvas, a system new to several students that helps to navigate classes, schedules and assignments.
September 15, 2020
There’s no question that the world is in a current state of disarray. The media is at a constant circulation of negativity and most people, students alike, are starting to feel the weight of it mentally. For most students, online school is just adding to this weight, especially with the complexity of Canvas. Although online school may seem like bad news, there’s actually a vast amount of perks far greater than just getting up later in the mornings.
Instead of using the normal two hour block periods as we would in school, some teachers are ending the lectures early, up to an hour or more in some cases. Time can then be spent more productively, where students are given greater opportunities to learn the material on their own as well as finish other assignments.
According to an agreement (Memorandum of Understanding) between CUEA, the teacher’s association, and CUSD they must provide at least 30 minutes of “live” instruction per class period and be available during work times.
“Teachers who don’t use up the whole period still get what’s needed to be taught or said where the students then start to work afterwards. I can use the time more efficiently with getting my homework done or studying,” said senior Rasmus Phoenix.
This helps to inform both students and teachers on how much of the lecture is actually useful, considering that more often than not two hour block periods include unnecessary information just to waste time.
Additionally, online school provides flexibility with freedom on weekdays, where students can focus on individual hobbies as well as school. Although the workload isn’t necessarily less or easier via online, there’s definitely more time before, after and in between classes to get personal things done.
This extra time is also a helpful opportunity for students to find balance between their schoolwork and hobbies, where these outlets will hopefully help to decrease stress.
Regarding anxiety, online school has helped a lot of students by neutralizing its effects, as students don’t have to face peer pressure, and the stresses of being on campus physically.
The mental well-being of students and staff are essential, even if in-person schooling often overlooks this aspect of health. Meanwhile, virtual learning is allowing students to monitor an important part of their well-being that would otherwise be neglected in a regular school setting.
For transfer students, online school is also beneficial. Instead of dealing with the stress of making friends and finding a place to sit at lunch, they have the opportunity to meet people beforehand, making the transition to campus less frightening.
Regarding the obvious pro of online school helping to protect students and staff from the pandemic, the anxiousness to return on campus hasn’t gone unheard. Eventually, students and staff will return to on-campus learning, but until then, let’s commend the newfound benefits online school has to offer.
