Student Shares about hybrid learning experience

by Drake Brown

This is not a typical school year. Before the start of school , every high school student was given the option to learn online or under a hybrid model. One of the biggest changes this year is the double-A and B day schedule. Students whose last names begin with letters A-K are assigned to the A1 and B1 group, whereas students whose last names begin with letters L-Z are assigned to the A2 and B2 group. This is important in order to alleviate congestion in the hallways. As my last name begins with a “B,” I was assigned to the first group. In my opinion, the two-day break in between A and B days makes it difficult to maintain momentum. I miss attending classes every other day. Our previous A and B day system gave my classmates and I ample time to complete homework and class assignments.

While I am extremely grateful to have a teacher guide me through my studies, I find it difficult to create a school environment at home. It's difficult to find a place in my house to actually study and work. I try to find the best space to work in peace. However, distractions sometimes make me less attentive to my online classes.

Regardless, remote learning is not terrible. This year, I’m able to get an extra hour of sleep and have more free time throughout the day to relax at my house. It's also easier for me to keep my classes and online work organized. On a typical virtual day, I keep a tab open for each google classroom and another tab for my daily schedule. Everything I need for the day is right in front of me at my fingertips! Despite the masks, social distancing, and safety protocols put in place, school days don't feel extremely different. Yes, the A and B day rotation schedule is strange, but I otherwise just follow my schedule like normal. While at school, I'm still able to talk with a few friends at lunch, meet all of my teachers in person, and walk around the building between classes. Plus, I'm very pleased to see my friends at cross country practice after school. Looking into the future, I hope everything will return to normal following the first semester. I'm trying to be very optimistic about our situation, but I do have some doubts about this ambitious goal. Right now, it's just a waiting game.