The Pandemic-Induced Digital Age
BY ADI RAMAN '23
Schools around the world have made significant operative changes to reduce the spread of COVID-19. These decisions have manifested in the form of remote and hybrid learning programs at AB, forcing students to use more online platforms in a world already dominated by screens. While students and faculty find positives within this situation, experts and teachers question the long-term effects of spending so much time online.
To better understand two ABRHS perspectives, we garnered insight from a student and an English teacher, Mrs. Phillips. Both have found Pear Deck, a platform where students can access teacher-created presentations with interactive slides, engaging and easy to use. In general, the hybrid and remote programs have pushed teachers to experiment with a multitude of online tools to enhance the learning experience of their students. They have been able to find which ones work best for them and may continue to utilize these platforms once school operations return to normal.
However, Mrs. Phillips notes that “there is a large learning curve for teachers as [they] attempt to use these tools for the first time, and sometimes [they] are troubleshooting with a live student audience! That experience,” she confides, “can be humbling.” Furthermore, despite her best attempts, Mrs. Phillips feels digital tools cannot fully replace in-person collaboration, which has been hindered by social distancing and remote learning. “I think the loss of that frequent interaction during class has been the largest challenge. And I am not sure if there is an app for that.” Mrs. Phillips worries about the future impacts of not being able to fully replicate a classroom environment.
In tandem with the concern of student development, the potential results of using more digital tools are not promising for student and faculty wellbeing. Healthline explains that researchers are finding more adolescents experiencing eye strain and nearsightedness than ever before. Along with staring at screens, students and staff remain sedentary when doing any online work. This lifestyle, James A. Levine of the Mayo Clinic reports, leads to a myriad of health problems from weight gain to an increased risk of contracting certain cancers.
If cases continue to surge, we might undergo another school shut-down and removal of the hybrid program, which could magnify the unhealthy impacts of using more online tools and devices. To improve wellbeing, students and faculty could prioritize spending more time offline to maintain a balanced lifestyle. However, no technology can replicate in-person collaboration. Any effects from decreased in-person activity can be monitored, but the outcome is unpredictable at best.
The pandemic has forced educators to seek alternative approaches to teach students online this year. While increased time online comes with its drawbacks, AB has no choice but to turn to virtual platforms if they hope to limit infection rates. Our current learning situation marks a progression into the world of technology as AB continues to adapt to the pandemic’s adverse circumstances. However, we'll have to wait and see how increased screen use will affect our health and how this rapid shift to digital learning will shape the district in future years.
To better understand two ABRHS perspectives, we garnered insight from a student and an English teacher, Mrs. Phillips. Both have found Pear Deck, a platform where students can access teacher-created presentations with interactive slides, engaging and easy to use. In general, the hybrid and remote programs have pushed teachers to experiment with a multitude of online tools to enhance the learning experience of their students. They have been able to find which ones work best for them and may continue to utilize these platforms once school operations return to normal.
However, Mrs. Phillips notes that “there is a large learning curve for teachers as [they] attempt to use these tools for the first time, and sometimes [they] are troubleshooting with a live student audience! That experience,” she confides, “can be humbling.” Furthermore, despite her best attempts, Mrs. Phillips feels digital tools cannot fully replace in-person collaboration, which has been hindered by social distancing and remote learning. “I think the loss of that frequent interaction during class has been the largest challenge. And I am not sure if there is an app for that.” Mrs. Phillips worries about the future impacts of not being able to fully replicate a classroom environment.
In tandem with the concern of student development, the potential results of using more digital tools are not promising for student and faculty wellbeing. Healthline explains that researchers are finding more adolescents experiencing eye strain and nearsightedness than ever before. Along with staring at screens, students and staff remain sedentary when doing any online work. This lifestyle, James A. Levine of the Mayo Clinic reports, leads to a myriad of health problems from weight gain to an increased risk of contracting certain cancers.
If cases continue to surge, we might undergo another school shut-down and removal of the hybrid program, which could magnify the unhealthy impacts of using more online tools and devices. To improve wellbeing, students and faculty could prioritize spending more time offline to maintain a balanced lifestyle. However, no technology can replicate in-person collaboration. Any effects from decreased in-person activity can be monitored, but the outcome is unpredictable at best.
The pandemic has forced educators to seek alternative approaches to teach students online this year. While increased time online comes with its drawbacks, AB has no choice but to turn to virtual platforms if they hope to limit infection rates. Our current learning situation marks a progression into the world of technology as AB continues to adapt to the pandemic’s adverse circumstances. However, we'll have to wait and see how increased screen use will affect our health and how this rapid shift to digital learning will shape the district in future years.
