Possible return to online learning

Maggi Feit

If there was one thing we knew about this school year, it was that things were subject to change. As a school and a society, we have come to accept the fluidity of rules, regulations, and protocols in this ever changing climate of Covid-19. Indeed, in our “return to normalcy” we have accepted an era of adaptability. Nevertheless, there are still many questions as to what is driving the current policy of our administrators, and what we can expect for the near future.

I recently had a chance to sit down with Avon Lake’s administrative director, Dr. Dibee, and discuss the basis behind their current policy in response to Covid, and what changes we can anticipate as cases continue to rise.

When asked about the guiding force behind their decision making, Dibee explained that the administration is constantly looking at the state of our school community, keeping up to date about the number of positive cases and the number of quarantines. Not only are they paying close attention to what is happening at the highschool, but they are keeping up with the county and state level as well. As a matter that extends beyond the walls of our high school, there is much to take into account when determining new policy. They too are looking to administrators and decision makers to set a precedent as to what they think will be best for the people.

Yet another area of interest is the subject of online learning. As more and more students are affected by Covid, many are curious as to whether the option of virtual learning will be restored. For students who are required to stay home, it can be a difficult endeavor to stay caught up with school work, and there is arguable value in providing those in quarantine with some sort of access to their classes.

Dibee informed me that they are taking this into consideration, explaining that they are currently in the process of looking to add ways to support students who are quarantined. He revealed that there is a potential for the return of online learning, but it would look different than last year.

“Students would have the opportunity to attend parts of or all of classes virtually,” He said, explaining that this may also be dependent on the class and the teacher. Further, online students may not necessarily be interacting with the class, but rather tuning in so as not to miss a lesson.

As opposed to last year, though, this vessel would only be open to those who are required to stay home. This is largely due to the fact that administrators feel that the hybrid learning approach as a whole has more disadvantages than advantages.

“A great deal of online students suffered academically,” Says Dibee. “The distance often made it hard to participate in class.” Avon Lake prioritizes thorough education, and wants to ensure that its students are receiving the education they need.

Not only this, but the lack of extra staffing made it logistically difficult to adequately maintain online learning.

More information regarding virtual learning is yet to come, but we can anticipate some sort of elevated support for those who are in quarantine.