Effects of Remote Learning
by Muriel Moon and Carolyn Slack, Reporters
School News
The shift from in-person to remote learning has been accompanied by large changes in how students are expected to learn and the environment in which they do so. From engaging in three period days to navigating the Schoology platform, it is important to recognize the effect that these modifications have on students.
We surveyed 100 students on various related issues and found that the majority of students feel more stressed, less motivated, and more prone to distractions.
New and unfamiliar challenges often bring about worries. Although 30% find virtual learning to be less stress-inducing to Kamiak students, 52% feel the opposite way. This difficult time may magnify stressors, which are different for everyone.
With the shortened day and extreme limitations on normal activities (such as clubs, sports, and spending time with friends), there is a reluctance to begin tasks; the large amount of “free time” tends to increase boredom and cloud students’ motivation. Along with this, lack of contact with teachers and peers creates disconnect, further distancing students’ inspiration in school.
Considering the later start time and earlier end times and the expectation to finish homework and assignments before midnight, there is an upward trend regarding sleep in students. However, there is still a significant amount of students getting less sleep than before quarantine.
Given that students must work in a home setting, it is difficult to separate home and school work. Additionally, staying in one place can become distracting over time. Distractions from family and electronics may be more frequent, accounting for the overwhelming majority (85%) of students being more prone to distractions.
Moving Forward
Given some of the negative aspects of online learning that this data exemplifies, it may be necessary to make adjustments on how we manage and approach virtual education. Here are some suggestions for how students may reduce stress and distractions while increasing motivation.
Handling stress:
If stress becomes overwhelming, reach out to teachers or other trusted adults and develop a plan.
Sleep is one of the most important factors in how one deals with stressful situations. The CDC recommends that teens get 8-10 hours each night.
Keep in contact with friends and create new social connections to improve emotional health.
Take time for self care and relaxation.
Engage in enjoyable hobbies and physical activities. Regular exercise is proven to not only improve physical health, but reduce stress as well.
Be understanding and forgiving of yourself as you navigate this new situation.
Reducing distractions:
Set up screen time restrictions for entertainment-based apps. However, it is important not to completely cut yourself off from free time.
Reserve specific time for study breaks. Some researchers recommend twenty-five minutes of studying and a five minute break. However, find time intervals that are most beneficial for you.
If possible, find a comfortable and quiet space to Zoom and complete school-related tasks.
Staying motivated:
Create a schedule/planner that is reasonable for you to follow.
Divide large or daunting tasks into smaller and achievable ones.
Set specific goals and reward yourself in some way when you finish them.
Hold yourself accountable by working with friends online and encourage one another to achieve your short and long term goals.
DISCLAIMER: The opinions, beliefs, and viewpoints expressed by the various authors in this paper do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs, and viewpoints of Kamiak High School or The Gauntlet.
Sources
Cohen, Melissa. “STUDENT GUIDE TO SURVIVING STRESS AND ANXIETY IN COLLEGE & BEYOND.” Learn Psychology, 2020, https://www.learnpsychology.org/student-stress-anxiety-guide/. Accessed 7 January 2020.
Foroux, Darius. “The Pomodoro Method: Take Strategic Breaks To Improve Productivity.” Take Breaks, DF, 21 April 2016, https://dariusforoux.com/takebreaks-pomodoro/. Accessed 7 January 2020.
Korstange, Ryan. “6 ways to build motivation to do your schoolwork now that you’re forced to learn online at home.” The Conversation, 7 April 2020, https://theconversation.com/6-ways-to-build-motivation-to-do-your-schoolwork-now-that-youre-forced-to-learn-online-at-home-135493. Accessed 7 January 2020.
“Sleep in Middle and High School Students.” CDC Healthy Schools, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 10 September 2020, https://www.cdc.gov/healthyschools/features/students-sleep.htm#:~:text=Importance%20of%20Sleep&text=The%20American%20Academy%20of%20Sleep,10%20hours%20per%2024%20hours. Accessed 5 January 2020.
The Learning Network. “What Students Are Saying About Remote Learning.” New York Times, 9 April 2020, https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/09/learning/what-students-are-saying-about-remote-learning.html. Accessed 5 January 2020.