Online School Takes Some Getting Used To

by Ritwik Raj

With the beginning of this abnormal yet important school year, many students have decided to learn completely virtually. These students will be learning, studying, and receiving grades without stepping a single foot in the high school. Many are wondering how this type of learning is even possible. As one of those fully-virtual students, I will give you my take on online learning based on my experiences so far.

We have all experienced online learning towards the end of our previous school year; however, online learning this year is different. Last year, you may remember, Quarter 4 grades weren’t included in our transcripts. This year, all grades from online learning will count towards our transcripts. With grades being recorded, online learning may concern people since there’s a possibility that students would cheat on tests or quizzes and neglect their homework. However, there are in fact many methods by which online learning can educate students effectively. Homework can be collected by students submitting photos of their work. Time limits can be set on online tests and quizzes. In addition, questions on tests and quizzes will have to change from relatively simple memory questions that can be looked up online to critical-thinking questions that require students to utilize what they have learned to craft an answer. This is what we saw on the online AP exams in May; all multiple choice question sections were removed and students were given free response questions. With these measures in mind, online learning, like me, can still give students the educational experience they need.

So far, online learning has been unique yet sufficient in fostering an educational learning environment. Students at home benefit from the added structure because it requires students to continuously switch from class to class and pay attention as they would throughout a normal school year. Online learning also gives many students more time to sleep. More sleep definitely helps me focus in class and get work done.

While online learning has its benefits, there are still downsides to learning from home. There are many distractions at home, whether it be your phone, your family, or the internet. It requires a responsible and mature student to stay focused. Getting distracted can lead to students not fully understanding material and it’s tedious to backtrack and learn what they’ve missed.

Whether you feel that online learning is beneficial or hindering, it does have one important benefit: It diminishes the risk of receiving and/or spreading COVID-19. With school returning this year, we should all remember that more important than our learning preferences is the need to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Whether you are learning at school or at home, please follow safety guidelines to protect yourself and the community around you.