Stay in school, kids!

Why in-person learning is more effective despite the surge in COVID-19 cases

By: Allie Wang

When it comes to education during the pandemic, the struggle for finding a win-win solution is often futile. However, in-person classes offer benefits that potentially outweigh the risks, such as community, friendship, motivation and routine.

With online learning, it is hard to build connections with peers and teachers in the brick and mortar classroom students are so used to. Face-to-face interactions and quality time can help students get to know more about each other, unlike the surface-level interactions with Google Meet and Zoom.

Mental health also eroded during distance learning. According to a study, social isolation can cause higher rates of negative outcomes for the mental and physical well-being of individuals. Virtual fatigue, also known as “Zoom fatigue,” can occur because our brains are not able to process information the way it is accustomed to. As a result, our brain also has to work harder to pick up cues and process the information it receives.

On the other hand, face-to-face interactions can help reduce depression and anxiety. In-person learning offers unique academic experiences that cannot be achieved solely by online learning. Students participating in in-person learning have fewer distractions, increased concentration and receive direct learning experiences.

“I get to spend much more time with my friends and go out more and I get to engage in group or collaborative projects which are always more fun and [I] maintain a personal relationship with my teachers,” sophomore Veda Bollapalli wrote.

Despite the surge in COVID-19 cases, it is entirely possible to keep students and staff safe at school. In an interview with CNN, pediatrician Paul Offit explained the importance of still keeping students in school.

“There are so many advantages to on-site learning. Children need the socialization that comes with being in school,” said Offit.

The U.S. Department of Education is urging school districts to take proper precautions and ensure classrooms are open.

“It is incredibly important that all schools work to remain open for in-person learning five days a week, especially in light of the Omicron variant,” according to a new resource guide addressed to school leaders and obtained by CNN.

OPHS should ditch campus!

Online school was healthier for students relationships with their families

By: Megan McCoy

Since the beginning of 2020, students around the globe were stuck in their home learning through their screen on their at-home-computer. The situation isn’t ideal at first — how could somebody efficiently learn through Zoom or Google Meet? How could doing algebra in bed be efficient? However, we tend to overlook the vast impact distance-learning has on students and families all over the world.

Safety is everyone’s top priority, especially at Oak Park Highschool. Staying inside with family is the safest thing to do in the midst of a pandemic.

According to WebMD, “The fewer people you’re around, the lower your chance of infection. When you stay home, you help stop the spread to others, too.”

Having up to 30 kids packed in one classroom, sitting less than two inches from each other is a huge safety concern. It’s safer for students around the world to stay online until the pandemic is over.

The idea of giving students online classes isn’t a preposterous idea. Students take college classes online all the time, some students even watch lectures online. Distance learning was truly a way for students to find themselves and have the needed time with their families.

In addition to the benefits of safety while staying at home, family time is also a huge bonus.

The feeling of waking up in pajamas and never having to leave the house was comforting and safe. Now, the constant fear of contracting COVID-19 spread throughout OPHS and the Oak Park community.

Throughout distance learning, students of all ages were home everyday in the same house as their siblings and parents. Unfortunately, because of the pandemic and business closing down, most families worked from home or lost their job. Consequently, because of businesses closing, most members of the family were under the same roof a majority of the time. Highland Springs specialty clinic shows that family time reduces stress and anxiety.

“Studies have shown that spending time with family can help reduce stress and anxiety, lead to a healthier lifestyle and lengthen your life,” The Top Ten Benefits of Spending Time with Family reads. “Family gives you motivation to be the best version of yourself.”

Returning back to campus full-time and parents returning to work will impact on these developed relationships and chip away at any progress made over quarantine.

Giving students back the opportunity to take classes remotely is the most beneficial way to keep kids safe and create lifetime bonds and connections with loved ones.

COMMON GROUND

• Students relationships and mental health should be a priority
• Keeping students safe from COVID-19 is in everyone’s best interest
• Educations is critical in the midst of the pandemic