COVID hit the shores of the US in early 2020 and is still going strong. Schools such as Solon High School (SHS) have gone virtual using Zoom for at least the first quarter of the 2020-2021 school year. There are plenty of benefits to virtual schooling, such as extra sleep time, hot lunches and more time between classes (which can be used to finish or start homework). On the other hand, there are problems with Zoom and distractions at home. How do the students and teachers feel about these changes?

 According to Junior Holly Hill, she prefers the virtual classroom. 

“Since my first [class is] study hall,  I’m getting more sleep,” Hill said.” [also because] I don’t need to leave the house. There’s less anxiety about socialization. It’s just easier because you’re on mute most of the time and when you’re in break groups it’s small groups.”

Another good thing about virtual learning according to English teacher Nanci Bush is that you can differentiate for each student. This is a good thing because some kids need to go at a slower pace and some kids need to go at a faster one. With virtual learning faster kids don’t always have to wait to move on. 

“For instance this year we started Membean for vocab and NoRedInk for grammar, both of which will allow the students to if you already know something to move onto a thing you don’t know yet,” Bush said.

Some people prefer virtual learning like Sophomore Hannah Lewis who said that while she would prefer seeing her friends she understands why she can’t and feels she does just as well if not better in a virtual environment. Other students though, are having problems with virtual learning.

One problem some people have is that they find it more distracting than in-person school. Junior Natalie Miller explains that it’s easier to zone out when you’re staring at a screen and there always seems to be distractions outside.

“[Whether it be] a neighbor mowing the lawn or playing music outside when I’m learning something important,” Miller said.

Other things such as Zoom and the internet can also be a problem. Junior Shivangi Agarwal agrees that there are always connection issues. 

“[Students] really have to deal with connection issues because it’s hard to interact with people and talk to them [without glitching screens].” Agarwal said.

Though Agarwal also says that she does prefer virtual school because it’s great to be in her own space. 

“The extra time in the morning and the time between classes is nice,” Agarwal said.“ I think it is a really good time to get water, stretch, or I’ve been doing some homework.”

Some students like  Freshman Anoushka Dubey are worried about what will happen further in the quarter, like how teachers will handle testing.

“Cheating is kind of inevitable, and I think it will be hardest for teachers during testing  who have to mostly rely on the morals of their students,” Dubey said.

Virtual learning has positives and negatives but for now it’s what we have as an option for at home learning. 

Watch videos below to see more students’ thoughts on starting the year with virtual learning.