The Challenges of Learning from Home By: Rylee Munier

    

    Many students are facing a new challenge that they have never faced before, learning through a computer screen. This new way of learning because of Covid-19 is challenging to many student. It may sound good at first. Who wouldn't want to learn from the comfort of their bedroom? But, in reality, many people are finding it more and more difficult.

    At home, there are many distractions. Siblings, parents, and pets that are constantly bugging you. Nobody has to worry about these kinds of distractions when they are in school. It is very hard to try and stay focus when other people are disrupting your learning. Your other siblings are also learning virtually too. With multiple google meet calls going on in the same house at different times, it can be very hectic. 

    Another challenge is that the students are not in school with their teachers. Typically, students walk into their classroom on the first day and get to meet their teachers and other classmates. With virtual learning, you only get to see your teacher and classmates through a computer screen. There is no connection or bond formed between the students and teachers. Many people learn better when they can relate to their teachers and meet them in person. 

    Not being in school also means that the teachers cannot give you papers. They have to alter their lesson plans in order to make it so they can teach through a computer. There is so much less teachers can do because of this. It is harder for students to ask questions too. In class, the teacher can see if a student is raising their hand. Online, if the teacher is on another tab they cannot see the students. There is a lack of interaction that many students need to be successful. This is another challenge that many people would never have had to worry about if we were in school.

    After starring at a computer screen for hours on end, students start to get headaches or their eyes begin to bother them. There are special Blue-Light glasses that are supposed to help with this, but the fact that they are even needed shows that it is a problem. Nobody should have to stare at a screen for 6 hours. 

    One last issue that is faced is technology issues. With most of your family on line at the same time, everything slows down and it is hard to keep up with the class. The screen will freeze for minutes at a time and when you finally get it back you have already missed a main part of the lesson. Google Meet will just kick you out all together. This is especially hard because when you miss part of the lesson, it is very challenging to catch back up. Teachers screens will also not present when the try to go into present mode. Then the teacher and the rest of the class are just sitting their wasting time while they wait for the screens to load. 

    Personally, I think that online learning is more harmful then beneficial. There are so many challenges that people face everyday and the struggle just isn't worth it. I understand why everyone is being cautious and not wanting to rush back into school, but we need to try. We will never know until we try. The numbers of deaths and cases are so far down from where they were when Covid-19 began. I think that it worth a try. We need to make an advancement in order to get anywhere. Staying scared and doing nothing at home is going to get us nowhere.