The Impact of Online School During the Pandemic: A Junior High School Student's Perspective

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to reshape our daily lives, the transition to online schooling has become an inevitable part of many students' educational experiences. This article delves into the personal experiences of a 12th-grade student in an American public school, reflecting on the challenges and benefits of remote learning during the pandemic.

Introduction to Online Schooling

When the pandemic first hit, online schooling became the only viable option for many students. Not every individual had a seamless transition, and connectivity issues were one of the major challenges. However, for many students like myself, online education provided a unique set of advantages and disadvantages.

Challenges and Conveniences

Let's start by discussing the challenges. Transitioning from in-person to online classes can be confusing and frustrating. The schedules are different, and the start times vary, which can be jarring. For instance, having a late schedule means starting classes at a different time each day, leading to some initial confusion. Additionally, internet issues and the inability to take notes in real-time can be quite irritating.

However, the flip side is that for many students, online learning can be more effective. For me, having less distractions at home compared to a school's chaotic environment has improved my focus and allowed me to achieve my best GPA since middle school. The ability to watch educational videos on platforms like YouTube has made learning even more accessible.

Benefits of Online Learning

One of the most significant advantages of online learning is the ability to manage my own time more effectively. I can attend classes, do homework, and even engage in hobbies like baking and painting. Moreover, not having to physically go to school means I can skip the typical school smells and sights, which can be a refreshing change. Here are some pictures of the things I've made with my newfound free time:

Very large rolls: Lemon chicken picatta: Painting with food coloring on whipped cream: Fried rice:

Personal Reflections and Future Outlook

Reflecting on my experience, I have mixed feelings. While I appreciate the flexibility and the ability to take notes at my own pace, I do miss the face-to-face interactions with my classmates. Interestingly, I am not a physically affectionate person, so a lack of physical interaction is not a significant drawback for me.

With the rapid advancements in technology, the possibility of a future where remote learning is the norm is not far-fetched. The efficiency demonstrated in developing vaccines and shifting entire educational systems online showcases the potential of digital learning. It's an exciting thought that the future might be primarily at home, with technology bridging the gap between students and education.

In conclusion, the online school experience has been a journey of both challenges and opportunities. While it has its downsides, the flexibility, self-paced learning, and reduced distractions make it a valuable learning tool, especially during unpredictable times like the current pandemic.