BACK TO SCHOOL
The benefi ts of a new approach to learning for students
The validity of the adage
“necessity is the mother of invention”
was on full display
during the COVID-19 outbreak.
People quickly had to learn to
adapt to a new way of life, including
an educational system
that was transformed dramatically
by social distancing
guidelines.
More than 76 million students
are enrolled in United
States schools, per the latest
Census Bureau information. In
2018, 2.12 million students were
in Canadian postsecondary institutions
alone. In a matter of
days, millions of students who
once attended classes in-person
were forced to transition to
virtual learning instruction.
The process showed just how
fl exible learning systems can
be, and how virtual instruction
may become more than an
emergency protocol in the future.
Schools utilized systems like
Google Classroom, Canvas and
virtual meeting apps to connect
and learn. While in-class lessons
provide the socialization
and one-on-one interaction that
can be vital for students’ academic
success, there are many
different reasons why virtual
instruction can be a key component
of learning models as well.
When virtual learning is used
in conjunction with traditional
teaching, students may have a
more well-rounded experience.
Here are some potential benefi
ts that may unfold as more
data is collected.
BRONX TIMES REPORTER, A 28 UG. 27-SEPT. 2, 2021 BTR
Pace: Virtual learning affords
students the chance to
work on lessons at a pace that
fi ts their individual needs.
Students can go back and reread
or re-work problems until
they’re satisfi ed they have
learned their lesson. Lessons
can be slowed down or sped up
depending on profi ciency, creating
a customized educational
experience.
No more weather days.
Many school districts include
snow or extreme weather days
into their calendars, adding on
extra days at the end of school
year to meet the specifi ed number
of educational days. Remote
learning can take over in these
times and keep school districts
from having to pad calendars.
Convenience: The American
Academy of Pediatrics
recommends that middle and
high schools start at 8:30 a.m.
or later to provide students the
best chance to get the amount
of sleep they need. Still, most
adolescents currently start
school before 8:30 a.m. Remote
learning enables students to
complete their assignments
when it works best for them.
This may help them get more
sleep, too.
Apps: Learning apps are a
new wave of educational tools
that have helped buoy virtual
instruction. Primary school
students or those with individual
education plans may benefi
t the most from reinforced
app skills that match their
learning pace in fun ways. Virtual
home instruction may become
a large part of the educational
landscape even after it’s
no longer a social distancing
necessity.
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VIRTUAL: Wed., Sept. 29 (6 - 8pm)
IN PERSON: Sun., Oct. 24 (11am - 2pm)
& Mon., Oct. 25 (6- 8pm)
PRESTON HIGH SCHOOL
EST. 1947
A sponsored ministry of the Sisters of the Divine Compassion