At the end of the Christmas holidays, the government unexpectedly announced that rather than return to school, all students should remain at home and school would take place online. As of now, it is expected that the students will return following the half term in February.
This form of online school takes place over the internet, using a form of video call: these include google meet, Microsoft teams and zoom. People have already experienced this necessity to be educated online, since last year, during the first lockdown, students had to be taught online. Because of this, it has been somewhat easier for students and teachers to adapt to the change, as they have already had some experience of online school and so they have had time to adjust and become used to it.
Conspicuously, there are both advantages and disadvantages to learning from home. The most obvious and important advantage is that it mitigates the risk of spreading the coronavirus. But another, more minor, advantage is the convenience that attending school online means for some, since there is no need to spend time (and money) on travelling. In addition this, many schools allow their students to wear their own clothes, rather than school uniform, when attending online lessons, which leads to greater comfort.
However, there are also some disadvantages. For example, some people might find it harder to concentrate due to distractions in the house. Also, not everyone has access to the required technology. In addition to this, the lack of social contact can be damaging for people.
Juliette Bentley commented, ‘I like it because when you do your work you can relax but I also don’t like it because it’s harder as when you’re stuck on a question, it’s difficult to ask the teacher for help. I also miss my friends.’
