Over the course of the past six months, high school students have been forced to adapt to a new form of learning. Although most have liked it, some have grown to miss in-person school, despite their feelings about it prior to the pandemic.

To begin with, many students would agree that online classes have decreased the amount of stress brought upon them because of the fact that they can manage their time easier than before. Students are able to work at their own pace and they aren’t worried about slowing the class down if they do not understand the material being presented. They can also ask questions one-on-one with the teacher and have after-school conversations if they are confused.

Teachers usually keep their classes to a maximum of 30 minutes to make sure that students have enough time to work on the assignments that were given to them that day. They make the lessons quick and to the point so they aren’t taking up too much of their students’ time. Online school also helps students with their sleeping schedules because they aren’t required to get up as early due to the fact that they don’t need to do much other than press a button to log in to class.

On the other hand, online classes have caused students to be less motivated to attend virtual school and complete their assignments. This is because of the lack of in-person contact with teachers and classmates. The students don’t feel any strong connection with their teachers. 

Additionally, virtual classes have made it easier than ever for students to cheat on quizzes, tests, and homework. This makes it harder for teachers to know what the students aren’t understanding because they are all getting answers via the internet. 

Furthermore, being at home during school leaves room for plenty of distractions. Factors including family, pets, television, and sleep may easily serve as distractions for students, resulting in unfinished assignments. 

Lizdye Camargo Felix, a junior at Palo Verde High School, said that she “doesn’t think [she] would succeed in an actual academic setting,” because she “finds it challenging to stay focused without getting bored.” She feels as if she has less distractions at home than in-person classes.

Juliana DeLeon, also a junior at Palo Verde said, “I would choose to stay online for the remainder of my junior year.” DeLeon feels like it would be too difficult to transition from the learning styles she has adapted to, however she did say that she would “rather go back for [her] senior year.”

This school year has been stressful for high school students, but most have adapted to the new ways of learning and feel as if they won’t succeed in a school setting at this time. Although it has been hard, students have been making the best out of this tragic situation.