School, university and trade school closures have resulted in a learning curve for both student and teacher.
University students have been completing online classes since mid-March and are soon preparing for April finals.
“It was definitely stressful in the beginning waiting to hear the university’s decision regarding whether or not classes would be going online,” says. Kylie Walz, a 2014 graduate of Unity Composite High School.
Walz is a fourth year student at Edwards School of Business on the University of Saskatchewan campus.
“My classes have group projects and presentations that require many group meetings,” she says.
The university student describes her professors as patient, understanding and reassuring.
“My heart goes out to my fellow colleagues who are unable to attend convocation at this time.”
The Huber household includes both a university student and a Grade 12 student.
Grade 12 UCHS student Morgan Huber says adjusting to life without school has been a challenge.
“I miss my friends and having a set routine every day of the week. I have chosen to continue online courses for social, English, and chemistry.”
Meanwhile Tanner Huber is home from Minot University.
“I didn’t have to adapt too much, because I had previously done online courses during the summer to lighten my course load during the baseball season,” Tanner says.
He said there were minor adaptations and technology adjustments, but the most difficult aspect is the lack of face-to-face communication.
“I set aside a certain time a day where I dedicate to doing homework. I focus on one class at a time, completing all the assignments in one class before I move on to the next subject,” Tanner explains.
The Kurt and Ang Elder household also include both university and high school students now working on classes from home.
Breanna, who was attending Lakeland College, says she has adapted from classroom to online learning by keeping track in her day planner as well as using a Google calendar for all assignments and deadlines.
“This isn’t different for me, as I’m a very organized person, but it’s a lot different not being in the classroom and with my classmates.”
She also affirms it can be a bit chaotic, as sometimes she receives up to 10 emails a day from professors with assignments, due dates, lectures, quizzes and tests. Breanna says it can be overwhelming to spend multiple hours on a computer, so she ensures she allows break times, or “recess,” which allows her to regroup and refresh for her next online sessions.
Breanna’s sister Aleix is a Grade 10 student and says she is adjusting to using email and text to ask her teachers questions.
Alexis says she finds a quiet place in the house and works at her own pace, also allotting regular breaks from the computer.
This unprecedented move from classroom to online learning has resulted in adaptations by student, teacher and school divisions. However, all parties involved appear committed to doing their best to make things work.
