In the midst of a pandemic blanketing the globe and a rise in social unrest that transcends borders, the phrase ‘Back to School’ does little to excite today’s learners.
Thermal scanners, temperature checks, mandatory masks and keeping a safe distance at all times- had these policies been proposed just a year ago, most of us would have thought that they were straight out of a YA dystopian science-fiction novel. But in the context of today’s health climate, they are but the bare minimum- the ‘new normal’, if you must.
With the end of August marking the start of the new school year, the UAE issued nation-wide policies that all public and private secondary and higher-education institutions needed to adhere to for the reopening of campuses across the country. Coupled with these health regulations, two main modes of instruction were introduced: blended and distance learning. This allowed students and families to choose from the two options according to their personal needs; but while this may sound as a simple solution to a very complex problem, it is not as black-and-white as it may seem.
When I conducted a quick survey asking both blended and distance learners their thoughts and feelings about the new system, I was met with an overwhelming variation in responses.
Blended students were able to come to the general conclusion that although on-campus learning was different in experience, thanks to the smaller class sizes and the myriad of safety regulations set in place, grasping concepts of the lessons being taught were no different than in pre-covid times. And while coping up with the daunting expectations and trials their rigorous curricula provided proved to be a struggle in itself, it was nothing out of the ordinary that they needed adjusting to. In fact, many saw the reopening of schools to be a breath of fresh air- after not being on campus in almost six months, the majority of students said that coming back to school almost made them forget about the harsh realities outside the confines of their four classroom walls. Almost.
Moreover, many students said that the decrease in class sizes made learning feel more detailed and peaceful, leading to better concentration spans throughout the prolonged lessons. Though some would argue the atmosphere in class would feel bleak at times due to the absence of their regular classmates and friends, they were never more than a zoom call or text away. Arguably, the biggest flaw to blended learning seemed to stem from the paranoia surrounding the contraction of the big C-word, thanks to the constant day-to-day exposure that both students and teachers were subjected to. But with all the safety measures taken and strict precautionary rules to follow, students felt more at ease knowing that their health and safety were of the utmost priority within their educational institutions.
Distant learners, on the other hand, had answers that shifted between extremities.
Those in complete favor of this method of education had two common denominators: they purposely chose e-learning over blended, and their personal style of studying revolved around being independent, self-sufficient learners that worked best on their own pace and at their own time. The time pressure and physical exhaustion of in-person classes no longer became an issue that plagued their days. Learning remotely meant more health security and less exposure, no more long commutes to and from campus, and more time available for themselves, all while efficiently learning from the comfort of their own home. However, these students proved to be few and far between.
The majority of distance learners argued that online school was ten-times more mentally exhausting and much more of a challenge to cope up with than in-person. Lessons, although live-streamed, suddenly felt too fast; technical quirks that occurred in-between classes took away precious learning time and replaced it with trying to find better internet connections within the house. Distractions became every object on their left, right and center, and the overwhelming feeling of being left behind became all too real. These learners, unlike the previous, had no choice but to opt for online learning. Reasons ranged from needing to take care of family members to prioritizing their own health and the health of their family. And now, because of the culture-shock of having to transition to online schooling, many students are struggling to keep their heads above water.
As the saying goes: The grass is always greener on the other side. While both methods of instruction carry their own unique set of perks and quirks, the adjustment period to either of them is one that each student must persevere through. But, whether your BL or DL, it is important to remember that everyone is struggling and that support systems are incredibly integral now more than ever. It goes without saying that everyone is after the education that they need and the education that they deserve– so make sure to lend a hand when you can. Actively seek for the help you need and utilize the guidance provided to you. And remember: no student should be left behind in the pursuit of knowledge, even during the most trying of times.