The Evolution of Student Learning:
Then Vs. Now
Ayanna M. Leggett
April 13, 2021
March 13,2020...a day we all remember. After COVID-19 swept the nation, Philadelphia schools and schools across the country switched to virtual learning. Ever since students and teachers' lives changed indefinitely. The evolution of virtual learning over the past year has greatly affected school systems and lives everywhere.
When students found out about the closing of schools, there were many mixed emotions. Some unsure of the future, and how long we’d be out.
” I thought it was gonna last two weeks,” said 11th grader Amari Jackson, “Like I didn’t think that COVID would be the monster that it is now.
The shutdown took a toll on teachers as well. Exiting the class environment was not an exciting adjustment.
”I was really heartbroken,” said Cristina Puntel, 7th grade English and 11th grade Spanish teacher at E&S.
Along with the challenge of uncertainty, teachers were also challenged with adjusting to a new work environment. Teaching had to become more engaging rather than strictly instructional.
”I think the challenge was keeping the work meaningful”, explained Puntel.
Teachers weren’t the only ones with challenges. Students had to get used to their high school experience in a new format. Learning to learn through a screen rather than instructional support in a classroom.
”I had missed out on learning things that you can only learn in person through experience, not through a computer,” said Amari.
What can we expect for the future? When will we go back to school? Questions remaining unanswered. But there is hope for a promising future. As vaccinations roll about, in person learning could be looking to return for all.