The pandemic that is sweeping the world has caused major changes in learning. COVID-19 (a.k.a. the Coronavirus) has taken people by surprise with the effect that it has had worldwide. One of the major effects is how it has changed the way we do school. Most schools in the United States have closed down and have switched to online education. PCA took the challenge of online school and students have different views on the decision.
Many students like the new change, because they get to do school work on their own time and in the comfort of their own home. “This is definitely something new. I was confused at first about the whole system but now I’ve gotten into routine and I think I will be able to do this for as long as we need to. It’s nice to be able to contact my teachers and get help when I need it. I’m taking advantage of this time I have and seeing it as a blessing instead of a consequence,” said Sophomore Zoe Fisher. She is really excited about the new change and is adapting to it nicely. “I am excited for distance learning as it allows us to carry-on with school through this difficult time. Many other schools are taking extra weeks of break or simply ending the year with the grades from before Spring Break.” “I love distance learning because it puts us in a place to succeed even with the pandemic that is going on,” said Junior Markus Mortenson in agreement. PCA going online definitely has its pros, but it also has its cons.
Along with the students who enjoy online learning, there are those who do not like it as much as in person schooling. “I like distance learning, but I can definitely improve on work that is due and what is needed for the next class,” said Freshman Ava Caron. Although she does enjoy it because of the freedom that it gives, sometimes too much freedom makes it difficult for students to learn as they do in the classroom, as they have to be more intentional about scheduling their own time.
There is one specific class of students who are not too thrilled about distance learning, and that is the Class of 2020. “The distance learning was not at all what I pictured the last quarter of my Senior year looking like. At first, I was incredibly sad at the thought of not seeing my friends every day and missing out on Senior traditions.However, over the past week I’ve been trying to see the positives and I’ve been praying a lot. This time has shown me the importance of prayer and praying for those around me who have it much worse than I do. I know this unknown time has been a surprise to us, but God knew this would happen, and I trust that everything happens for a reason,” said Senior Ansley Dale. She is taking this situation and making the best out of her last year in Upper School.
The positive and negative effects of online school are many and varied. This new situation gives the students the opportunity to continue their education while being safe at home, but it has also taken away a quarter of the Senior class’s last year of Upper School. Online learning is difficult for some, but it won’t take long for students to adapt to it, they, like many people all over the globe are struggling to adapt to a new normal.