Back to School in 2020-21: Navigating Virtual and Hybrid Learning Environments

Impact of the Pandemic on Education

The global pandemic has transformed education as we know it, forcing schools, colleges, and universities to explore new ways of teaching and learning. This article delves into the diverse approaches taken by educational institutions in the United States, especially as we approach the 2020-21 school year. From virtual learning platforms to hybrid models, this exploration highlights the strategies being employed to ensure continuity and quality education.

High School and Special Education

For those working in the educational field, the transition to virtual learning has been particularly challenging. As a Special Education Teaching Assistant at a high school, I work with students with autism, cerebral palsy, and other learning challenges. Our school was scheduled to open in early September but opted to postpone until September 8th. This delay was to allow the district more time to prepare for virtual learning and to assess the potential for partial in-person attendance. The upcoming months will involve extensive use of Zoom and other virtual collaboration tools, which may not be as effective with students with specific learning needs as with the general student population.

Despite the challenges, the decision to stay virtual for the initial period is driven by the need to adapt quickly to the new norm. If conditions improve, the school hopes to transition to a hybrid model, with some students returning to campus while others continue with online learning. This approach allows for more flexibility in accommodating different learning needs and student preferences. Personally, while I enjoy my commute and the in-person interaction with students, I recognize the importance of adapting to the current circumstances.

College and Student Support

Colleges are also adapting to the new reality, prioritizing student needs and ensuring academic continuity. At the college where I work, dorms have been opened to about 75 students who require on-site living to participate in clinical placements related to health sciences and nursing. The fall semester has been divided into two 8-week terms, with a mix of online and simulation-based learning. Synchronous or asynchronous learning is at the discretion of the professors, allowing for some flexibility in teaching methods.

For the second 8-week term, professors will decide based on the first term's performance. The college is closely monitoring the situation and making adjustments as necessary. This flexibility is crucial in ensuring that students can adapt to the ever-changing landscape of the pandemic.

High School and Boarding Students

The high school where my husband works is taking a different approach. They have opened dorms to 35 first-year and senior boarders, with strict quarantining and testing protocols in place. The boarding students will be actively involved in in-person learning for some subjects, while others will continue with remote learning. To accommodate this, the school has implemented a continent-wide synchronization model, aligning class times with different time zones, to ensure that all students, even those in Asia, can participate without missing important content.

The remaining students will be learning remotely, with hybrid models possible if conditions permit. This approach provides a safety net, allowing for the possibility of further remote learning in case of new outbreaks, while also maintaining a sense of community for those who can return to campus.

Public School Reopening Plans

Public schools are offering parents a choice between hybrid or all-remote learning. Students are grouped based on the learning model their class adopts. The hybrid model involves in-person attendance for two days a week, with teachers present four days per week. This reduces class sizes and encourages staggered attendance to minimize the risk of infection. Wednesdays are dedicated to school cleaning, allowing for a more thorough sanitization process.

Adherence to health guidelines is paramount, with the use of masks, social distancing, and the installation of protective barriers such as Plexiglas. Regular cleaning and improved air flow are also part of the measures implemented to ensure a safe environment for students and staff. If a student or teacher tests positive, they are required to quarantine in a dormitory, at home, or in the school’s quarantine facility. Many rely on virtual learning during this period.

The decision on whether to fully reopen or revert to virtual learning depends on the number of cases on campus. While the private high school hopes to keep operating with limited closures, public schools may revert to full campus quarantine and online learning if case numbers exceed certain thresholds.

Conclusion

Adapting to the challenges posed by the pandemic has required a significant shift in how we approach education. Virtual and hybrid learning environments are becoming the norm, but they also present unique challenges. As we navigate these changes, it is crucial to maintain a focus on the well-being and learning needs of our students. Collaborative efforts between educators, health experts, and policy makers will be key in ensuring that the next academic year is as successful as possible.