The Covid-19 pandemic was unforgiving to a plethora of industries, among the most important being education. From the impact on teachers, students, and parents, this pandemic altered the way classrooms run.

THE IMPACT OF REMOTE LEARNING

Schools across the globe closed due to the pandemic, forcing children and teachers out of the classroom–some of which for two school years as of now. The switch to remote learning put pressure on the education system to adapt to virtual teaching. Though certainly an adjustment, the less time remote learning takes, and the retention of information demonstrated by students has posed the questions, “Is remote learning here to stay? Is it better?”

THE QUALITY OF EDUCATION

Being in the classroom is an experience beyond just learning. From social interaction to a welcoming environment designed for success to the structured schedule a child needs, the classroom is a salient part of development. Remote learning has stripped students and teachers from their routines, which has resulted in skipped online sessions, children wearing inappropriate attire behind the screen, and a general lack of appreciation for education.

A STRAIN ON RESPECT

The classroom commands a certain level of respect. Basically, most students would never dream of disrespecting their teacher or their learning environment. Remote learning has some children slacking off because they understand that there are no real consequences as there would be in the school, like a trip to the principal’s office.

Additionally, a lack of respect for overall education is the direct result of the pandemic. Essentially, why would students care about their workload when they are not actually in school right? Concurrently, teachers have lost respect for their school districts and the education system entirely as a result of the daily changing regulations and expectations put on them. Teaching in the pandemic is, “Not sustainable,” as one educator exclaimed.

QUESTIONING THE QUALITY OF EDUCATION

Learning goes beyond reading, writing, and typing. Interactive experiences, like science lab, reinforce the material and contribute to the retention of learning. Now, most students and teachers do not have a science lab readily available in their homes, so are the children getting the most from their education, and will they ever again?

This article was previously published here.