The Truth About Virtual Learning - Elizabeth Enriquez

The Truth About Virtual Learning

2020 was supposed to be a year of growth and change, filled with nothing but opportunities. After all, it was the start of a new decade, and as they always say, "new year, new you." People across the globe wrote new year's resolutions, promising to better themselves in the coming year. Little did they know, the world of 2019 would be flipped on its head and nothing would ever be the same.

It started on December 31st, 2019. A media statement from Wuhan Municipal Health Commission mentioned a "viral pneumonia" in Wuhan, People's Republic of China. On January 21st, the United States reported its first confirmed case of COVID-19, and by March, the country had entered a state of emergency lockdown. 

Since then, most of the country has opened up again in order to reduce the economic depression we would inevitably enter. However, many schools still remain closed. Instead of going into school, students sit behind their computers and join classes over Zoom or Google Meet.

Virtual learning presents its own set of challenges. Our days have been shortened to four hour-long periods with a one-hour lunch break halfway through. Every day, we alternate between an "A" and "B" day schedule. Already, this means that students are more responsible for their education outside of school.

In addition to this, other uncontrollable variables affect the quality of learning. These may include faulty technology or programs, spotty wifi, and the issue of distance learning itself.  Time and time again, students--and even teachers--get booted from virtual meetings, and sometimes the audio breaks up or cuts out completely. In general, it is more difficult to learn, simply because of the adapted system itself as well as how capable students are to acclimating to such changes. With distance learning, we never really get to meet our class, and until our return, there will always be a sense of disconnect between students and teachers. The small amount of "bonding" we may do within the first few days of school simply cannot make up for the daily interactions we once had. 

Although learning is more difficult, it does not mean that the situation is completely miserable. As students and teachers, this time will help us grow and learn to better adapt to drastic changes. As people, it will help us realize what we were taking for granted and how often these seemingly-mundane privileges are overlooked. 

While we may lose many things precious to us--time, experiences, and loved ones--COVID-19 will eventually join the annual immunizations, just like the flu virus. Time is moving forward and medicine is evolving. For the time being, we just need to hang on for a little while longer. Because eventually, it will get better.