Students and COVID-19
For many students, life has radically shifted due to the outbreak of Covid-19. Teachers and faculty are forced to make changes during this time and it can be difficult to adjust to. Many of the traditional events that students partake in have come to a halt or are experienced in a different manner. Seniors won't be able to physically participate in their graduation ceremony. Younger students may struggle to receive more hands-on learning with the heavy integration of technology. College students may face unemployment which can impact their ability to pay for their classes. While Covid-19 may affect the majority of us, it does give us time to reflect.
Safety and Security
With more students staying at home it can help bolster a sense of safety and security. No longer do students need to be concerned about wearing a face mask or gloves in densely populated areas. This shift alone helps keep things under control and ideally protect both students and staff. Students also have the benefit of having more agency with their time. While many schools still function on a set schedule, being able to do classwork remotely can be a blessing. Students can do their work in their room, back patio or front porch to help them focus. Certain students may appreciate the healthy glow of the sun while doing homework which can help ward off ailments and illnesses. Other students may value the quiet atmosphere of their room to help them concentrate
Virtual Events
Traditional school events have changed too. Rather than gathering in meeting halls and auditoriums, students rely on their computers for these virtual gatherings. This change has made it easier than ever to attend seminars or even have celebrities speak to classes. This also affects day to day classroom activities too. Teachers are able to cover a wide variety of subject matter with many students participating as well. Some handy features within Zoom can even help close the gap with traditional learning such as the “raise hand” function.
A Stable Community
The psychological effects of Covid-19 are ones we need to be mindful of as well. Some students may experience distress by not being physically in the classroom. For hands-on learners this can be an issue. Virtual education is taking great strides to make the classroom experience still feel tightly knit despite the distance. The use of video can help students feel connected to their peers and their teachers. The sense of community from the classroom is still prominent as well with proper lesson planning to help foster interactivity.
We Can Do This Together
We're in a unique state in the world when it comes to education. On the one hand we're dealing with a crisis that has reached global proportions that affects daily life. On the other hand we are constantly adapting with new educational techniques. These same techniques can help promote inclusivity by giving students a different way to learn. During these trying times it's important to also promote a sense of unity. If Covid-19 has taught us anything, it's that we can overcome this together.