The beautiful snowy roads of Boone. Photo creds: Lucy Willis
Everyone appreciates the occasional snow day: a day spent sledding with friends or relaxing at home by the fire and watching movies. However, the threat of more snow days and less summer vacation has led our education system to attempt to keep the yearlong calendar on track and learning consistent through remote learning, which has proven to be less convenient than it appears.
The recent weather in Boone has left us with snow-covered backyards and iced-over highways. This resulted in an extensive approximately two weeks of remote learning. While remote learning does provide a break from some demands of in-person schooling, which most students appreciate, it can also mean poor internet connection, less motivation, and a lack of social interaction for students.
Both our students and teachers have recently seen more inconvenience in remote learning than in-person learning. For teachers, it can be caused by attempts to connect with students through a screen.
“As a new teacher, remote learning adds a whole new layer to an already sometimes overwhelming process,” said Ms. Rhubottom, a new foods teacher at Watauga. “Teaching a hands-on lab based class is especially challenging. Some students have internet and connectivity issues, and other students have obligations outside of school that also makes remote learning difficult.”
Students may find it difficult to engage in class, especially if they are doing so in the comfort of their own beds. This can cause students to fall behind or get off track on a lesson topic.
Senior Gracie Sheaff shares her inconveniences with remote learning while at home.
“I get distracted easily, so it's difficult to focus, especially being at home around pets and other people,” said Sheaff. “It's also difficult because I can't always understand the assignment or what exactly the teacher is saying; it would just be easier to talk in person.”
When attending class from home, there are plenty of distractions around. Students may sleep through the first block or make lunch and miss the start of the third block. Internet troubles can also delay or even impede class participation, quickly leaving students behind.
"Because I'm at home most of the time on remote learning days, I think I subconsciously adjust myself to doing at-home things, and when I'm at home, I'm not learning anything, so I think it definitely is harder for me to learn on remote days," said Sheaff.
When it comes to choosing between online and in-person learning, there are many who favor online classes, primarily due to the convenience of being able to attend classes from home. Nevertheless, some prefer to be in person.
"I prefer in-person because it allows me to stay focused and teachers to present lessons more effectively. It's difficult for me to stay motivated all day,” said senior Lucy Willis. “When I'm at home, I'd rather do something I'm passionate about than attend school.”
Remote learning days provide difficulties for students but have kept the end of the school year on track to end in early June. The last student day is currently set for June 4.
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