Why the Shift?
Coming off of the COVID-19 pandemic, many students have been deprived of important educational factors in order to further grow academically. However, one thing that did come from the lockdowns was remote learning. Remote learning, while having its many setbacks, was seen as efficient and easy for the average student and teacher. The use of online learning made many realize that being in person wasn’t always necessary especially when the weather starts to turn poor.
The idea of going to remote learning on snow days was due to the fact that when days of school were missed, those same days would have to be added somewhere else such as over breaks, interfering with family plans and vacations. A more specific reason for the shift is, “There’s more continuity in learning when students experience fewer unexpected interruptions, particularly important as students try to rebound from the academic blow of the pandemic” (edweek.org).
Push-Back and Downsides of Zoom Classes
However, with the solution can come various consequences; student push back, lack of effort, troubles making schedule plans virtual, internet issues, etc.
When asking about the shift to senior class president Annabella Grosso, she stated, “I think that they should not be because if peoples internet doesn’t work there are a lot more complications especially with power and home setting.”
Along with internet issues and electronic interference, “the lack of motivation and distractions at home” can also cause issues in student online learning (northstarnews.org). Although seeming like a solution, it may just be a problematic and complicated solution to a very minor problem.
Not only can this cause concern for student learning, it also raises the question of how arts programs and electives will be taught virtually as well. For example, at JCHS there is a sewing and clothes class, a very hands-on class with materials needed that the school provides. When at home, many students may not have the same supplies or be able to proactively learn within that elective for the day.
Though only for a day or two, snow days can provide helpful breaks and fun memories for students and staff during the winter seasons. A ‘The Post’ article helps explain that, “Snow days free students from a seven-hour school day allowing them to get rest. In an age in which student anxiety runs high and success often looks like taking multiple AP classes, extracurricular activities, and more, having a snow day offers students time to sleep in and catch up on assignments. Not to mention, online learning is not as effective as in person-classes” (www.thepostathens.com).
Overall, remote learning snow days can be seen as a solution to further educate students in schools, or as having an overall negative impact. It can help have less interruptions to a normal school day/schedule and keep summer and spring breaks longer for students. However, the idea of bad internet, push back from students and staff, and the unnecessariness of the ‘solution’ are strong opposing arguments.
