Harborfields Takes On Distance Learning

With the recent outbreak of the Coronavirus, life as we know it has come to a halt. Including education, this prolonged absence from school and other activities has definitely called for some creativity and flexibility on all sides. Learning online and in quarantine can surely be quite the challenge but it may also have its perks. In order to obtain a greater grasp on the situation, several students have been kind enough to share their personal opinions and experiences with this new form of learning.

One of the biggest things we’re all wondering is how to improve this experience for everyone and make it as productive as possible. For example, sophomore Petra Brown feels a great way to begin this improvement is to “have simple assignments given every day instead of one large assignment to work on throughout the week” as it makes organizing and rationalizing the workload much easier. 

Another wavering question that we’re all being faced with is whether or not Distance Learning will prove to be an effective form of education. Sammi Sita, a senior at Harborfields, weighs in on the situation. Her answer to this question is, “No I don’t think it will be as effective, even though I don’t like tests and quizzes like everyone else, it forces people to study the material. Also, it’s already hard for a lot of people to concentrate in school so not being that environment most likely won’t help”. She seems to raise a very interesting point in that motivation and focus have encountered a serious challenge. In addition, with such a lack in testing, students are more likely to not spend the proper time on material and therefore not absorb it as needed.  

Clearly, some people are going to function differently and appreciate different styles of learning more than others. For instance, 10th grader Logan Taratko feels Distance Learning is actually benefiting him. He says, “I prefer working on work on my own time. It definitely is way less stressful and honestly I feel like I’m more productive. I think we’re a little overworked in school sometimes and this allows me to take breaths when I need one. I sometimes even start the work early if the whole week is posted and I have even more free time than we do already”. This is a very fair point being made as we now have the flexibility to finish work and pursue hobbies that we usually don’t have as much time for!

Also, why not continue to look at the upside of these events and the happiness we can find in it? Sophomore Caitlin Fealy claims that her favorite part about Distance Learning is that “you can take your time on your work to make sure that everything is thoroughly completed without having to feel rushed through anything”, which is a very valid statement. With the opportunity to work on your own time, we’re gifted with the chance to perfect our work and take the time to make sure we hold a tight grip on the information. 

Last but not least, it’s important to look at what can be taken away from this situation and how we can benefit as a whole. Ty Ellenbogen, a junior, says, “everyone can take away a sense of accomplishment for living through this stressful time in our lives. Distance Learning is such a major change in the way we go about our daily lives and it’s forced us to adapt in ways we’ve never had to before”. He also feels that “adapting so quickly to overcome a situation like this is incredible, even though we might not think about it from that perspective. Coming away from this, we’ll all be equipped with a new skill set that we can carry with us to overcome life’s challenges in the future.” This bright outlook is definitely something we should all carry with us and strive to embrace. 

Although this is such a scary and nerve-wracking point in our lives it’s imperative that we search for and recognize the positivity within it. The amazing opportunities that can come from this academically, socially, and personally show no end. There is no question that Distance Learning is a challenge and something to heavily adjust to but there are many things about it we aren’t always noticing, such as learning at our own pace and in a way that best benefits our own individual needs.