Online classes can marginalize students who rely on in-school resources
According to an article published in the Abbotsford News, there have been COVID-19 exposures in about a dozen schools in the Chilliwack area and one in Hope. Parents were made aware of the risk of exposure via letters that advised students to continue attending school. This series of incidents reignited the discussion of how, and even if, classes should be held at this time.
In short, my opinion aligns with the decision to keep classes open. While there is an increased risk of exposure to the virus, a district or province-wide shutdown of schools wouldn’t be as beneficial to students in their pursuit of education. Online learning, while decreasing the risk of exposure, does not work with every student’s learning style. It can leave students feeling lost in their work, confused by learning goals, and possibly isolated as a result of having their social network move to an online space.
In addition, students may struggle with the motivation to complete their work, either because they find the work difficult or do not see the value in learning it. This problem, while not solved by attending in-person classes, may be drastically worse if they don’t have access to a teacher. Without the neutral third party, some kids may feel less responsibility to get work done. In addition, not all parents are willing, or able for that matter, to motivate their children to do their work.
Though I support the continuation of in-person classes, I am cognizant of the risks. Yes, there is an increased risk due to students gathering. I’m also certain that schools are trying to minimize that risk as much as they possibly can, with reduced class sizes, shorter days, hybrid classes consisting of both in-person and online components, and encouraging middle and high school students to socially distance and to wear masks while in high-traffic areas like buses and hallways. These actions, however, do not guarantee that staff and students will be safe from COVID-19; I support parents and students who recognize that these measures may not be enough due to their own health conditions, and choose to do homeschooling for the foreseeable future. However, most families do not have the resources available for this. Keeping schools open is therefore the best, most accessible way for students to get an education.
It is not news to anyone that we are living in extraordinary times. The state of the world has echoed through all parts of our daily lives. One of the major ways we can see that is through the ways public education has chosen to adapt and offer the best possible learning environment for students. At this point, if a parent takes issue with the precautions in place, it’s their prerogative to adjust their child’s education plan to serve their needs, and schools should support them with more robust online resources. However, not every family will have these reservations, so closing schools and making in-class resources inaccessible for all students, including students who will only thrive with the provision of that support, is foolish.
