Outlook December Digital Magazine

WOULD STUDENTS RATHER
RETURN IN-PERSON OR STAY
ONLINE?
alicia ernst|staff writer
Oakton Students weigh out the pros and
cons associated with their decision
Flashback to March 12, 2020 - Oakton’s student body was thrilled
for their spontaneous two-week break from school, eager to stay at
home and relax. Because those two weeks stretched into 9 months,
many students have found themselves longing to return to school,
and regretting ever taking it for granted. After months of attending
their virtual lessons, a brain break
is much needed. This statement may
sound questionable, given that the freedom
to attend classes while sitting on
the couch seems like enough of a break
already - but despite this, students and
teachers are just as drained as usual.
Every day follows the same routine,
so much so that they seem to blend together;
waking up, attending classes, completing homework, and
repeating. Ironically, returning to school in-person seems like the
perfect break from this vicious cycle. Although reinstating a hybrid
version of real life school is speculated to occur down the line,
it would likely come with two options - if Oakton students were
given the choice, would they choose to
remain online, or return to the building?
A crucial component that must be considered
when making this hypothetical
decision is the state of the pandemic.
If presented with the choice, students
must decide if returning to the building
is worth the risk, safety-wise.
26 27 December 2020
When asked about what safety precautions should be installed, many ideas were suggested: daily temperature checks,
limiting the number of kids per classroom, a strict no-touching policy, and mandatory mask-wearing. However, Sophie
Smoot-Canty, 10, notes that the issue lies not within what safety measures are taken, but how those precautions are enforced.
“I think there needs to be a way to make sure students are following rules, because if the school is safe but the kids
aren’t it doesn’t help.” Smoot-Canty said. “I wouldn’t return. I’d rather just skip the risk and stay online.”
Along with these possibilities, another factorable priority would simply be the student’s academic preferences. While
some find it easier to focus in the seclusion of their homes, a plethora of others are discovering challenges regarding their
lack of attention span and motivation. “I would definitely choose to go in person. I have a lot of trouble focusing online
due to my learning disability.” Says Jason Imbergamo, 10. He also noted how he misses social interaction with friends and
teachers, and events such as school-sponsored dances - all things often considered to be the best parts of school.
“I would definitely return to school. The state of my education
right now is horrible. I have not learned a single thing
and I 100% guarantee I will fail my finals. In person, I am able
to learn more effectively.” -Paris Phan, 10
As we are all tired of hearing the phrases “unprecedented times” and “once this is all over,” we continue to ponder the
question looming over our heads - when will we go back to normal? And as that pans out, what will “normal” even be?
This school year continues to challenge Oakton’s students and staff as we all try to adapt. If hybrid schooling is introduced
during the second semester, students must keep these ideas in their heads as they consider the most valueable factors of
in-person versus virtual instruction. It is important to keep an open mind, and learn to appreciate your surroundings - because
as we have all experienced this past year, they are absolutely subject to change.
The photos above are student submissions of what their work space looks like during online school each day.
leftmost photo courtesy of naomi yoon, middle photo courtesy of alicia ernst, rightmost photo courtesy of tuga
wangjie
“I wouldn’t feel comfortable at all. [COVID-19] cases are
still high and [too many people] are cramped inside the
school. I believe we should just wait until things get better,
like after the vaccines are distributed.” -Tuga Wangjie, 10
photo courtesy of alicia ernst
photos courtesy of flaticon.com