By Ivie Li and Asmita Saha
As remote and hybrid learning continues, students and teachers develop various opinions on the new approaches to learning. Students and teachers adapt in their own ways to these methods of education. They find new challenges and discover innovative ways to make this learning environment more fun and interactive.
What do classmates have to say about their likes of hybrid and remote learning?
“When I’m remote, I get to be comfortable, and I don’t have a teacher there to watch my every move,” said eighth grader Esther Panicker.
“I remember in the spring remote learning was disastrous. This year, students attend every class live, and it’s a full 38 minutes. You have homework —unfortunately— but it’s a lot better than last year,” said eighth grader Alyssa Sehn.
“Remote learning is very convenient and efficient. Going to the Meet is simple and we find most of our work in either Google Classroom or Schoology,” said eighth grader Allison Luu.
“I liked not having to go to school every day. It gave me some more time to relax and spend time with my family,” said junior Jacey Cho.
“I enjoy seeing some of my friends on the days I am in school, and I enjoy seeing my teachers. Going to school makes me feel safe because I see the faculty trying their best to keep everything sanitized and comfortable for their students,” said junior Amanda Fabilli.
However, learning remotely and in-person during a pandemic also comes with its disadvantages.
“Being at school gives me more anxiety because I have to be more aware of not getting too close to other people,” said junior Amanda Joa.
“You’re not there. You don’t have to walk around, you don’t get to get ready, see your friends, or meet your teachers for real. Remote learning is different, and it’s really not that fun,” said eighth grader Alyssa Sehn.
“Being remote is depressing. I haven’t stepped outside my house for seven months. I’ve been in the backyard and stuff, but the only exception was a doctor’s appointment,” said eighth grader Eshita Kaul.
“I feel that a small part of me is missing because friends are a part of my life. Not being able to see them in school hurts,” said eighth grader Esther Panicker.
“I get distracted easily in class and it can be stressful when I miss what my teacher said because of being in the bathroom or getting water, ” said eighth grader Allison Luu.
“Taking online tests is tough because of technological issues with submissions and WiFi. I don’t like hybrid because I’m not able to be with my B-day friends and not able to do clubs/activities together with others in person,” said junior Jacey Cho.
Artwork by Shadia Zayer
Students and teachers address their love/hate relationship with the hybrid learning model.
The Chariot did not forget about teachers in both hybrid and remote environments. What did teachers like about these methods of teaching?
“Since March, I feel that I have gotten much better with remote learning. Not only through the conferences and speaking to other teachers, but also just asking students what they are doing in other classes, and what they want to do more of. Student feedback is always so important to me,” said world language teacher Ms. Deo.
“My experience with hybrid teaching is that it is something new that I am trying to make the best of in my everyday teaching,” said world language teacher Mr. Pierre.
“I have absolutely gotten better. I am more comfortable teaching live and sharing my screen and educating my students,” said English teacher Ms. Katz.
“The only advantage for me during this time of remote learning is having a system like Schoology where the students can find lessons, assignments, discussions, etc. in an organized fashion,” said business teacher Ms. Riley.
“I have learned to forgive myself when I make mistakes or don't know what to do and have become quite natural asking kids for help - something my old-school pride would never have allowed before March 12, 2020,” said math teacher Mr. Basil.
Of course, teaching hybrid poses a challenge for all teachers.
“I have spent a number of hours trying to find new and innovative online material. I have gone to over 50 hours of conferences since COVID-19 started. It has been extremely difficult to try to teach in a way that I have never taught before,” said Ms. Deo.
“I miss seeing my students! Simple happenings like a pat on the back, eye contact, and a warm smile face to face are some of the things I miss the most from my remote learners. I have had to investigate ways to reach students who are completely remote. This is the hardest part and I am still crafting my style,” said Ms. Riley.
“At first, having two different groups of students was confusing. I didn’t know where to look and was uncomfortable sitting so the remote students could see me. Now, I am more comfortable with it, although I would be happier if all my students were sitting in front of me,” said Ms. Katz.
“Planning assessments are very different. There certainly is no blueprint for the most effective way to assess students in any situation, but it's more difficult now than ever. Integrity is a HUGE issue for me,” said Mr. Basil.
Clearly, remote and hybrid learning has drastically changed the way students learn. It is not just the teachers' effort that matters, but also the students’ dedication to learning even if it is difficult. As long as everyone continues to put in the effort, NHP can get through this year strong and hopeful and reunite once more.
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