Possible Changes in COVID-19
BY PRIYANKA CHIDAMBARAM '23
Back in March, none of us expected quarantine to last longer than a week. This pandemic, unfortunately, is still spreading like wildfire, even as people resume their “normal” lives. With September quickly approaching, schools face the challenge of reopening amidst the dangers of COVID-19.
In June, Massachusetts released preliminary health guidelines for reopening schools. Most notably, students and faculty must wear masks and social distance at least three feet apart. Schools also must choose between three reopening plans: remote, hybrid, and full in-person.
At ABRHS, we could continue distance learning, the safest option, but it’s not the best choice for a robust education. Alternatively, a full return to school would force two thousand students in one building, an impossible task given the social distancing regulations. This leaves the hybrid option, combining both online and in-person learning. This model meets health and education priorities in the middle and provides flexibility for the everchanging pandemic.
The ABRSD has allowed families to select either in-person or remote learning for the school year. Given the current COVID-19 case numbers, the district plans to slowly ease into the in-person option with the hybrid model. Split into two cohorts, students will alternate between in-person and remote learning. Remote learners, on the other hand, will engage in only Zoom meetings instead of on-campus classes.
Though remote and hybrid learning are both viable options, the hybrid model provides much needed physical interaction after months of quarantine. Students and staff can resume building relationships and honing communication skills, which are especially important in World Language classes. Further, this model eases students back into their usual workflow after a long break. Post-pandemic, everyone will ultimately return to school full-time, and the hybrid model ensures a smoother transition.
Some might argue that compared to the constant switching in hybrid learning, remote learning provides a more stable education. However, I personally found it difficult to focus with remote learning. In-person instruction engages students far more, and, keeping long term effects in mind, deeper learning and a more gradual transition will benefit students when we return to school full-time.
Hybrid learning will also better equip kids for college. Many universities use a blended learning structure similar to the hybrid model. College students typically have a couple classes weekly and are left to self-manage the rest of their time. Incorporating hybrid learning in high school will help kids develop vital organizational skills. This way, the school is setting them up for both short-term and long-term success.
Beyond the educational benefits, hybrid learning promotes student health. Adolescents often prioritize grades over sleep during the school year. However, sleep-deprivation can increase risks of obesity, mental illnesses, and stroke. Further, sleep rejuvenates immune systems, which is especially important now. While both remote and hybrid learning allow more sleep on asynchronous days, the hybrid model ensures that students move between classes, while remote learning students often remain sedentary the whole day. Exercise, at any level, promotes health and also improves concentration in class.
In conclusion, hybrid learning is students’ best option under these unique circumstances. It’s also the most practical option, considering its long-term impacts and health benefits. Although nothing is certain during these times, it’s important to adapt. At the end of the day, we must look at the bigger picture.
In June, Massachusetts released preliminary health guidelines for reopening schools. Most notably, students and faculty must wear masks and social distance at least three feet apart. Schools also must choose between three reopening plans: remote, hybrid, and full in-person.
At ABRHS, we could continue distance learning, the safest option, but it’s not the best choice for a robust education. Alternatively, a full return to school would force two thousand students in one building, an impossible task given the social distancing regulations. This leaves the hybrid option, combining both online and in-person learning. This model meets health and education priorities in the middle and provides flexibility for the everchanging pandemic.
The ABRSD has allowed families to select either in-person or remote learning for the school year. Given the current COVID-19 case numbers, the district plans to slowly ease into the in-person option with the hybrid model. Split into two cohorts, students will alternate between in-person and remote learning. Remote learners, on the other hand, will engage in only Zoom meetings instead of on-campus classes.
Though remote and hybrid learning are both viable options, the hybrid model provides much needed physical interaction after months of quarantine. Students and staff can resume building relationships and honing communication skills, which are especially important in World Language classes. Further, this model eases students back into their usual workflow after a long break. Post-pandemic, everyone will ultimately return to school full-time, and the hybrid model ensures a smoother transition.
Some might argue that compared to the constant switching in hybrid learning, remote learning provides a more stable education. However, I personally found it difficult to focus with remote learning. In-person instruction engages students far more, and, keeping long term effects in mind, deeper learning and a more gradual transition will benefit students when we return to school full-time.
Hybrid learning will also better equip kids for college. Many universities use a blended learning structure similar to the hybrid model. College students typically have a couple classes weekly and are left to self-manage the rest of their time. Incorporating hybrid learning in high school will help kids develop vital organizational skills. This way, the school is setting them up for both short-term and long-term success.
Beyond the educational benefits, hybrid learning promotes student health. Adolescents often prioritize grades over sleep during the school year. However, sleep-deprivation can increase risks of obesity, mental illnesses, and stroke. Further, sleep rejuvenates immune systems, which is especially important now. While both remote and hybrid learning allow more sleep on asynchronous days, the hybrid model ensures that students move between classes, while remote learning students often remain sedentary the whole day. Exercise, at any level, promotes health and also improves concentration in class.
In conclusion, hybrid learning is students’ best option under these unique circumstances. It’s also the most practical option, considering its long-term impacts and health benefits. Although nothing is certain during these times, it’s important to adapt. At the end of the day, we must look at the bigger picture.