As a kid you always hope that one day you won’t have to go to school anymore. That you can just stay home in your pajamas, eat snacks, and play video games. But, none of us ever expected for this dream to become reality. Even more so, none of us expected for this dream to become a nightmare. 

Don’t get me wrong, there are some great things about online learning. For one, the use of the block schedule has given students more time to complete assignments and do what they need to get done. A “block schedule creates a ‘saner school day’ by slowing down the pace, reducing homework and freeing up more time for hands-on learning and collaboration.” In short, the switch to a block schedule remote learning caused has been better for students. Another good thing about remote learning is the lack of commute. With online classes students don’t have to worry about waking up at six in the morning just to be in class at eight. Ethan Nakashima ‘21 says what he likes about virtual learning is that he “can wake up later for class.” The absence of commuting gives students more time to sleep. And, we all know how important sleep is for high schoolers.

Like I said, there are some pros to online learning. But, I believe that the negatives carry more weight. One negative is the lack of social interaction that students have. Kids need to be able to have interactions with one another. It is important for their health and well-being. Kimmy Vu-Smith ‘21 even said, “It’s pretty lonely only seeing people through a screen….there’s no one I can physically interact with.” Aside from the social aspect, online learning makes it extremely hard to stay focused and be engaged. “The online environment can make it easier for students to withdraw, participate minimally, or completely disappear from the course.” How do you expect a student to learn when they have the option to turn off their camera and do something else? It’s hard for kids to find ways to get themselves motivated. Emma Young ‘21 said, “It’s hard to pay attention and stay motivated.” It’s a lot easier to be invested in school when you are going every day.

The world has done it’s best trying to make online school possible and a good way to learn. But, it will never be as good as the real thing.