Hybrid vs. At Home Comparing which is better; at home or in person-
Which is better: at home or inperson learning? photo by Sarah Maniscalo
By Sarah Maniscalo, Staff ionsville Community High School is divided between remote and in-person learning; not only physically, but figuratively. Students across the district have been forced to evaluate and reevaluate their priorities in this unprecedented time. Is social and mental health or physical health more important? Will students still receive a good education, regardless of location? Is it even safe to go to school? Opinions vary across the spectrum on which option is best. Iris Bailey, junior, is participating in the hybrid and now in-person schedule. She chose that option to maintain the social aspect of school in her life. “It was important for me especially to be with other people,” Bailey said. “With how last semester ended, it made me realize how much I missed being able to talk to my friends and see them almost every day.” Kendyl Eber, sophomore, said. A small percentage of the student body chose the remote-learning option for the fall semester of the 2020-2021 school year. Within the total ZCHS student population of 2163 students, approximately 7 percent started off the school year completely virtual. When deciding, it was an obvious choice for many – just go back to school! For others, it involved more contemplation. Tara Harmon, senior, switched to remote learning after the start of school. “I chose it after the first day of classes when I realized how accessible things were to students online.” Harmon said, “I was always nervous about going back into school just because of the health and safety for me and my family. I just wanted to be as safe as possible.” The staff has done their best in this un-
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precedented situation. Most remote learners, like Harmon, feel involved in class. “Teachers are doing a really good job of keeping everything accessible to students. I think Zooms are going really well,” Harmon said. “It’s pretty easy to keep up with what the teachers have posted, and the lessons they have.” As the school community has grown more accustomed to a “new normal,” the student population is split between two perspectives, with the teachers working more to ensure every student receives a quality education. Students in the classroom feel their class-time involvement is more limited than in years prior. “It’s kind of frustrating to be in school and have the people on Zoom at home, because the teachers really try to teach the same curriculum. So, there’s a lot of focus on getting the kids at home where they need to be,” Bailey said. For some students, the choice was clear. “I chose [remote learning] because I feel like it’s much safer. Rather than have to risk getting Covid-19 every day, it’s within the safety of my own home.” Chris Ellsworth, junior During a global pandemic, remote learning is the most practical option to prevent to spread of Covid-19, but I believe the decision is entirely case-by-case. “We always have to be very open-minded and considerate during this time. Everyone has different beliefs and different precautions they need to be taking,” Harmon said. “I think it’s really important not to judge the decisions of others…. Everyone is coming from a different circumstance and a different mindset.” The in-person schedule gives students
something that remote learning cannot: social time. Whether it’s talking to ones’ friends or simply sitting in a class with peers, the in-person classes provide social interaction. “It’s better to interact with your teachers and peers in person, while staying safe, obviously.” Lilly Bass, sophomore, said. “I know some people who mentally need the social aspect, myself included,” Alli Domogalik, junior, said, “My mental health can be rocky like most teenagers, and being social and with friends is honestly what helps me do better in school.” Everyone is craving normalcy during these uncertain times. Dana Irizarry, freshmen, chose the in-person sched“With how ule for that very last semesreason. “I wanted as ter ended, much ‘normal’ as it made possible,” Irizarry me realize said. The importance how much I of mental health is crucial, but the missed being significance of able to talk to physical health my friends.” during this time - Kendyl Eber, should not be undermined. In 11 the middle of a global pandemic, everyone needs to take individual steps to do what is best for themselves and their families. This is an unprecedented time and there is no “right” or “wrong.”
