As students return to school after a five-month hiatus due to COVID-19, many have chosen to do distance learning from home.  A lot of students are ecstatic about the opportunity to take classes without leaving their house, while using the free-time to get into new hobbies and activities.  Regardless, distance learning is an interesting, new experience for both students and teachers alike.

While some classes are relatively the same when done from home, many classes have had to change to adapt to the online environment.  Assignments are posted on Google Classroom and meetings are held on Zoom.  Kayla Towell, 12, explains her experience with distance learning:

“ I have not had any issues with the online work, as most of it is on Google Classroom.   The best thing about it is that I get to do my work from the comfort of my bed.”

Being able to complete assignments from one’s own bed seems to be the most favorable aspect amongst students when it comes to distance learning.  The students who opted to go to school in-person are having a comparable experience—albeit different—when it comes to learning.  Landyn Bradley, 7, describes his experience as a seventh grader entering junior high in the midst of the pandemic.

“I was nervous about finding my way around the building and being on-time to classes.  My cousin is in the grade above me, so she showed me around.  The stuff we have to do to socially distance is a little weird, but it hasn’t been that bad.  I like being spread out, it gives us more room to ourselves and you don’t have to sit next to someone you don’t like because of how far apart you are.”

When asked about her experience as a kindergartener, my sister, Gracelynn Jones, gave a concise but very loud response:

“IT’S SO COOL AND I LIKE IT, NOW GET OUT OF MY FACE.”

Fellow senior, Raeleigh Clayton, describes her experience with distance learning with robust honesty.

“Learning from home has been a great experience.  There’s less distractions, so it has been easier to get my work done.  The only downside is that it is a little stressful not getting in-class instruction, but I’ve been able to make it work.”

The opinions on distance learning are differing, but one thing is clear: no matter what is thrown at the students of BIC, we will always find a way to make it a positive experience.  COVID-19 might have disrupted our normal classroom experiences, but we adapted and overcame to create our new normal.