Students have it rough these days.
The coronavirus continues to alter daily life as we once knew it.
Hopefully, the worst has passed, but we’ll be dealing with this for a while.
Although everyone’s had to adapt, the life of the average student isn’t close to “returning to normal.”
These days, countless school districts have opted for entirely remote education.
In-person interaction is irreplaceable.
This is especially true for younger students. An in-person environment fosters efficient learning and easier communication.
Plus, you get to see your friends.
These days, the world’s collectively confined to the home. Across the globe, people have come up with innovative new ways to effectively communicate.
Video calls, virtual learning, and remote work are the new normal.
Meet Graham McDowell, a grade school student from Mesa, Arizona.
Like his peers, he’s experienced some tribulations with the new school setup.
His loving mother’s been chronicling his pandemic problems for the world to see…
For all of the struggling parents out there – you’re not alone!
My Kindergartner on a 40 minute video call is a total mood. pic.twitter.com/WE2RHoFZhM
— Kara McDowell pre-order ONE WAY OR ANOTHER (@karajmcdowell) August 7, 2020
I’ve seen this before… long ago, in a classroom far, far away.
This is super boredom.
It’s the very kind that Jim suffers from in The Office.
Unfortunately, there’s only one cure… Do something engaging!
In an interview with Good Morning America, Momma McDowell, otherwise known as Kara, explains the situation:
“Everyone thought it was funny. I think if you’re in school or working from home and doing anything over a long video call, you can relate to being totally over it.”
Some entire nations have been in quarantine for months. Millions across the globe can relate!
School systems need to reinvent teaching.
But how? Teachers are trying as hard as they can.
I’ve gotta say, teachers are trying their best! For balance, here’s another pic from the same day. My Kindergartner happily sharing his stuffed animal during show and tell. 💙 pic.twitter.com/pOW69nwJqX
— Kara McDowell pre-order ONE WAY OR ANOTHER (@karajmcdowell) August 9, 2020
Graham’s apathy hints at an oft-forgotten aspect of the global pandemic – mental health.
We need to pay careful attention to mental health (in general) and especially as the months roll by.
Humans are inherently social. Isolation can be devastating to mental health.
Right now, the whole world’s feeling it.
Especially students.
Hopefully, we’ve seen the worst of the pandemic, including peak quarantine procedures and lockdowns.
In their wake, we must foster ways to simultaneously protect our immune health and mental health.
These days, it’s easy to feel trapped.
As for Graham and his peers, the American Academy of Pediatrics offers some guidance on adolescent virtual learning.
“Schools are fundamental to child and adolescent development and well-being, and provide our children and adolescents with academic instruction, social and emotional skills, safety, reliable nutrition, physical/speech and mental health therapy, and opportunities for physical activity, among other benefits. Beyond supporting the educational development of children and adolescents, schools play a critical role in addressing racial and social inequity.”
Seriously, how do we deal with the pitfalls of remote education (and life)? What do we do now?
We adapt.
We must conjure innovative new modalities by which we interact in our post-pandemic world.
Life’s not “back to normal” just yet. Honestly, it may take a while.
Even when things “return to normal,” mask usage and an emphasis on sanitation may necessarily stick around.
In these uncertain times, we must continue to grow and adapt. We’re still adjusting to this new abnormal each and every day.
It’s not easy. But every day we get better.
Even with vaccines hopefully on the horizon, we must remain vigilant about protecting our health.
As for Graham, the school systems need to figure out a way to keep remote students engaged.
It’s easier said than done, but literally nobody likes sitting alone at a chair and desk for hours… especially children.
Anyway, what do you think of Graham’s hardships?
Can you relate?
What’s been your biggest obstacle during the pandemic?
These days, we’re all struggling.
Graham and his peers certainly don’t enjoy their new circumstances.
We have to do everything we can to put this pandemic to rest. Masks and proper sanitation are absolutely essential!
The more vigilant we are now, the quicker things will “return to normal” without the fear of contagion.
Let’s do it for Graham’s sake. Let’s do it for our sake!
Stay healthy and mentally active! Hang in there, Graham.
Please SHARE this with your friends and family.
