After a long-awaited end to the crazy 2020 year, EHS is welcoming back many virtual learners.

After 18 months away, returning to the classroom is challenging enough for virtual learners. But, add in all the other changes to school and the scenario becomes even more stressful. One of the greatest adjustments will be meeting in-person deadlines. Virtual students, in theory, had more freedom when accomplishing their class work for teachers. They got to work from home, or any environment with internet access; they could stay in pajamas and more comfortable clothing; and they were able to finish their assignments early so they had the rest of the day. Although in-person school at the time didn’t sound like the greatest idea to some, online learners quickly learned that there was a down-side to this form of education. 

Olivia Mann, a sophomore, was virtually attending school with Elkhart-East but had teachers who worked virtually, too. Mann notes, “My assignments could be difficult at times, bu

t it was more because of the lack of direction that confused me.” She also said that “most teachers did not respond quickly, making the assignments even more confusing at times–but, overall, it wasn’t too bad.”

On top of assignments, everyone thought virtual students would consist of regular Google Meets. Well, according to Mann, that was just another rumor going around the schools. “I very rarely had Google Meets and Zoom calls,” she admits, “because my classes were more on Canvas and other websites that teachers assigned.”

With the global pandemic, there were major changes toward technology. One of those changes was moving away from paper-and-pencil as iPads and other electronic devices took their place for an easier way to learn. Often, Mann indicates, the assignments became harder to accomplish. Mann was “over the moon” when she found out that she could still hold a pencil when returning to school this fall.  “Because school was on a screen for me,” she states, “I was so glad to be able to use paper and pencils again–even if it only was once or twice! It made it feel a little more like school.”