Like it or not, Covid has forced students all over the world to adapt to virtual learning. Some students are more comfortable learning from home. For others, there are constant distractions and feelings of isolation and stress. Some teachers feel it is more difficult to connect to students virtually. Howard students voice how virtual learning affects them.

Some students prefer virtual school because reduced in-school hours provide freedom and feel more secure.

“Actually, for me, virtual school is much less stressful than in-person school. This is for a lot of reasons. One, I feel like I’m much more organized in virtual school. It’s really easy to find things, and there’s no extra stress, like did I leave my homework folder in my locker? Two, it’s just a lot more relaxing at home. Three, it’s also easier to talk to teachers on a virtual platform.”

“I wouldn't change anything. Also, I feel like in school you get bullied more. This kinda stops it, because you're in front of a screen. “

However, for some students, the virtual school can be very isolating, overwhelming, and stressful, especially when assignments pile up.

“I felt extremely stressed, especially at the end of semester one when they piled on final benchmarks along with a couple of other tests. The stress kind of built up one day, and I didn't really attend class so that I could get a break. I'm a little better now, but it's still harder during virtual”

“I’m a very social person, so quarantine, in general, has affected me a lot. School has just lost the excitement that used to make me want to go.”

Others have mixed feelings about virtual school. There are less awkward social situations. It also enables you to work at your own pace, though the lessons aren’t as hands-on.

“It's very strange. It feels like I'm a spectator, not really a part of the lessons. I'm just watching a video. I also like virtual school since it takes away some of the stress of social situations. I don't have to worry about who I'm sitting with at the table. I do miss interactive lessons though.”

“Virtual is going ok for me. I don't learn as well, but I like being at home. I would love doing half online and half in-person.”

“ I don't love sitting in front of a computer all day, but I like working at my own pace. I like being at home and safe, but it's a bit difficult to make friends.”

The majority of students seem to be fine with virtual school but would prefer a combination of in-person and virtual. People’s feelings toward virtual school depend on how they function in school. The more social and hands-on learners seem to have a tougher time since this way of learning is harder for them to adjust to. While more introverted and organized students manage better.

So what should we take away from this? It's important to talk to others about how virtual school is going for them, communicate to your teacher if you are struggling, Facetime with your friends to make this lonely time a little more bearable, and eventually, we will be back to normal life.