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Lessons for the Future From Online Learning Lessons for the Future From Online Learning
(1 day later)
To the Editor:To the Editor:
Re “Learning Online Beats School,” by Veronique Mintz, an eighth-grade student (Op-Ed, May 7):Re “Learning Online Beats School,” by Veronique Mintz, an eighth-grade student (Op-Ed, May 7):
Today I am not in a classroom with students my age, having clever discussions about “The Wanderers,” by Richard Price, or heated ones about Puerto Rico’s racist history or even engaging in the usual gossip. Instead, I am required to learn in a house that is far from being a classroom.Today I am not in a classroom with students my age, having clever discussions about “The Wanderers,” by Richard Price, or heated ones about Puerto Rico’s racist history or even engaging in the usual gossip. Instead, I am required to learn in a house that is far from being a classroom.
I don’t know what remote learning looks like for others, but I have three younger brothers who are also learning remotely — one of whom is a hectic ball of energy and another is autistic. I’m sure that many other students in chaotic homes like my own agree when I say my classroom is starting to look a lot more like a luxury.I don’t know what remote learning looks like for others, but I have three younger brothers who are also learning remotely — one of whom is a hectic ball of energy and another is autistic. I’m sure that many other students in chaotic homes like my own agree when I say my classroom is starting to look a lot more like a luxury.
I go to a high school that uses inquisitive learning. Our instructors encourage us to ask questions, develop arguments and stand by them throughout a discussion. Sometimes we work together to come to a unanimous answer and at times we work alone. None of this has been possible through Zoom meetings or online assignments.I go to a high school that uses inquisitive learning. Our instructors encourage us to ask questions, develop arguments and stand by them throughout a discussion. Sometimes we work together to come to a unanimous answer and at times we work alone. None of this has been possible through Zoom meetings or online assignments.
Remote learning has been a nightmare — the Zoom meetings, the recorded videos, the several platforms we need to get our work done. It is only really helpful as an add-on to regular in-school learning, and even so, it’s only helpful to some. I’m not benefiting from remote learning today, and I won’t a year from now either. Besides, there are already plenty of websites offering lessons online.Remote learning has been a nightmare — the Zoom meetings, the recorded videos, the several platforms we need to get our work done. It is only really helpful as an add-on to regular in-school learning, and even so, it’s only helpful to some. I’m not benefiting from remote learning today, and I won’t a year from now either. Besides, there are already plenty of websites offering lessons online.
There isn’t much to learn from remote learning except that it simply doesn’t work. It honestly is the worst-case scenario.There isn’t much to learn from remote learning except that it simply doesn’t work. It honestly is the worst-case scenario.
Awa Islam KonéBronxAwa Islam KonéBronx
To the Editor:To the Editor:
When Veronique writes that she prefers online learning because her eighth-grade classrooms were poorly managed and rife with distraction, she bravely articulated a reality that too few New Yorkers witness firsthand. Hers might not be a popular opinion, but it is an all too common experience in city schools — especially for students in high-poverty schools.When Veronique writes that she prefers online learning because her eighth-grade classrooms were poorly managed and rife with distraction, she bravely articulated a reality that too few New Yorkers witness firsthand. Hers might not be a popular opinion, but it is an all too common experience in city schools — especially for students in high-poverty schools.
Veronique’s testimonial should catalyze city officials to establish a New York City virtual school that is centrally administered with full-time remote teachers who offer a variety of courses available to all students.Veronique’s testimonial should catalyze city officials to establish a New York City virtual school that is centrally administered with full-time remote teachers who offer a variety of courses available to all students.
A virtual school can breathe new life into the city’s commitment to an equitable school system in a post-pandemic New York. It can serve as a safety net for children whose learning gets interrupted. It could offer à la carte courses in Advanced Placement subjects, foreign languages and electives.A virtual school can breathe new life into the city’s commitment to an equitable school system in a post-pandemic New York. It can serve as a safety net for children whose learning gets interrupted. It could offer à la carte courses in Advanced Placement subjects, foreign languages and electives.
The city already has a platform, courses and models for online learning via its iLearnNYC program. This is not a long-term puzzle to ponder. The pieces are already on the table. It’s time to put them together.The city already has a platform, courses and models for online learning via its iLearnNYC program. This is not a long-term puzzle to ponder. The pieces are already on the table. It’s time to put them together.
Tom Liam LynchNew YorkThe writer is director of education policy for the Center for New York City Affairs and editor in chief of InsideSchools.Tom Liam LynchNew YorkThe writer is director of education policy for the Center for New York City Affairs and editor in chief of InsideSchools.
To the Editor:To the Editor:
Veronique highlights some of the benefits that remote learning can bring. But she neglects the reality that it advantages some students over others and exacerbates existing societal inequities.Veronique highlights some of the benefits that remote learning can bring. But she neglects the reality that it advantages some students over others and exacerbates existing societal inequities.
The students who get the most out of remote learning tend to be self-directed and/or able to get guidance and support from parents or other family members. Special education students and English-language learners who need more intensive one-on-one supports often struggle with online learning, as do students who live in crowded quarters where constant distractions are present. And of course there are many students who lack access to computers or the internet, making online learning an impossibility.The students who get the most out of remote learning tend to be self-directed and/or able to get guidance and support from parents or other family members. Special education students and English-language learners who need more intensive one-on-one supports often struggle with online learning, as do students who live in crowded quarters where constant distractions are present. And of course there are many students who lack access to computers or the internet, making online learning an impossibility.
As Veronique points out, there are features of remote learning that should be embraced and carried forward when schools reopen. However, unless we address the inequities associated with it, it will result in too many of our neediest students being left behind.As Veronique points out, there are features of remote learning that should be embraced and carried forward when schools reopen. However, unless we address the inequities associated with it, it will result in too many of our neediest students being left behind.
Richard StopolLong Island City, QueensThe writer is president of NYC Outward Bound Schools.Richard StopolLong Island City, QueensThe writer is president of NYC Outward Bound Schools.
To the Editor:To the Editor:
Online learning is dope! I like making my own schedule and I learn better watching the recorded videos over and over again. School offers distractions that are not faced at home.Online learning is dope! I like making my own schedule and I learn better watching the recorded videos over and over again. School offers distractions that are not faced at home.
I miss seeing my friends, but I am learning far better online than in school. Online school leaves me with more time to explore other avenues in both the creative and athletic fields.I miss seeing my friends, but I am learning far better online than in school. Online school leaves me with more time to explore other avenues in both the creative and athletic fields.
I believe that in the future schools should record their classes during the day. This way students can go back and rewatch these lessons over and over again if they are confused.I believe that in the future schools should record their classes during the day. This way students can go back and rewatch these lessons over and over again if they are confused.
Erik KeiferNorthport, N.Y.The writer is an 11th-grade student at Northport High School.Erik KeiferNorthport, N.Y.The writer is an 11th-grade student at Northport High School.
To the Editor:To the Editor:
I’m a 13-year-old middle school student in St. Louis in my second month of distance learning. While distance learning has some advantages, such as fewer distractions and a go-at-your-own-pace approach, the disadvantages outweigh the benefits.I’m a 13-year-old middle school student in St. Louis in my second month of distance learning. While distance learning has some advantages, such as fewer distractions and a go-at-your-own-pace approach, the disadvantages outweigh the benefits.
I have fewer classes over all, so we cover less material. Core classes meet two times a week instead of four. And classes often end up being shorter because of technical issues.I have fewer classes over all, so we cover less material. Core classes meet two times a week instead of four. And classes often end up being shorter because of technical issues.
Distance learning makes collaboration with classmates difficult. My school promotes a learn-by-teaching technique: To fully understand a concept, our teachers ask us to explain it to the class. Other students challenge my thoughts and ideas and help make them better.Distance learning makes collaboration with classmates difficult. My school promotes a learn-by-teaching technique: To fully understand a concept, our teachers ask us to explain it to the class. Other students challenge my thoughts and ideas and help make them better.
I also miss spontaneous encounters with classmates, in a hallway or in the lunchroom.I also miss spontaneous encounters with classmates, in a hallway or in the lunchroom.
Both my parents are health care workers. My 10-year-old brother and I often have to fend for ourselves. While working alone mostly works for me, it is sometimes hard for him. This worries me. What about other students who struggle, even the disruptive ones, or those who don’t have as supportive a home environment? Are they being left further behind?Both my parents are health care workers. My 10-year-old brother and I often have to fend for ourselves. While working alone mostly works for me, it is sometimes hard for him. This worries me. What about other students who struggle, even the disruptive ones, or those who don’t have as supportive a home environment? Are they being left further behind?
While I believe there are valuable lessons from our distance learning experience, I learn more at school.While I believe there are valuable lessons from our distance learning experience, I learn more at school.
Story KummerSt. LouisStory KummerSt. Louis
To the Editor:To the Editor:
I would like to thank Veronique Mintz for sharing her perspective on remote schooling and the ways it enables her to have a more fulfilling experience. Meanwhile, I am puzzled by the blame Veronique assigns to teachers for the disruptive behavior of other students, in both real and virtual school environments.I would like to thank Veronique Mintz for sharing her perspective on remote schooling and the ways it enables her to have a more fulfilling experience. Meanwhile, I am puzzled by the blame Veronique assigns to teachers for the disruptive behavior of other students, in both real and virtual school environments.
Are not the classmates themselves somewhat responsible for their lack of respect for people — peers and teachers alike — who want to make the classroom experience productive?Are not the classmates themselves somewhat responsible for their lack of respect for people — peers and teachers alike — who want to make the classroom experience productive?
Yes, teachers have a leading role, but so much depends on the students’ attitudes and the chemistry of their interactions with one another. Add challenges with attention deficit, impulsivity, stress and fatigue into the mix.Yes, teachers have a leading role, but so much depends on the students’ attitudes and the chemistry of their interactions with one another. Add challenges with attention deficit, impulsivity, stress and fatigue into the mix.
Like Veronique, I look forward to invigorating all that we do in real classrooms after this period of remote schooling. In this vein, I would like to ask Veronique, and all students, to see these efforts as a collaboration, with students themselves contributing to the outcome.Like Veronique, I look forward to invigorating all that we do in real classrooms after this period of remote schooling. In this vein, I would like to ask Veronique, and all students, to see these efforts as a collaboration, with students themselves contributing to the outcome.
Sara BrockNew YorkThe writer is a high school English teacher.Sara BrockNew YorkThe writer is a high school English teacher.
To the Editor:To the Editor:
Where have school systems been for the past decade? Khan Academy has been offering students all over the world free online classes using a mastery-before-moving-on approach. It is well integrated with in-classroom and at-home settings. It has tools to help students, teachers and parents with teaching, coaching and collaboration.Where have school systems been for the past decade? Khan Academy has been offering students all over the world free online classes using a mastery-before-moving-on approach. It is well integrated with in-classroom and at-home settings. It has tools to help students, teachers and parents with teaching, coaching and collaboration.
Updated Aug. 13, 2020 Updated Aug. 14, 2020
The latest highlights as the first students return to U.S. schools.The latest highlights as the first students return to U.S. schools.
There is no need for students and teachers to struggle with those who get left behind or those who act out to get attention. Veronique Mintz’s experience explains why. What hasn’t been explained is why schools all over have not adopted its best-of-class approach.There is no need for students and teachers to struggle with those who get left behind or those who act out to get attention. Veronique Mintz’s experience explains why. What hasn’t been explained is why schools all over have not adopted its best-of-class approach.
Many school topics are covered by Khan Academy, and more will be. Because students proceed at their own pace and are paired by the teacher based on mastery and need, problems can be dealt with by teachers without disrupting class or the other students.Many school topics are covered by Khan Academy, and more will be. Because students proceed at their own pace and are paired by the teacher based on mastery and need, problems can be dealt with by teachers without disrupting class or the other students.
Teachers act more as coaches and guides and less as disciplinarians. It’s free. It can be used anywhere there is a computer and the internet. Teachers and parents love it. Best of all, students love it. None get left behind or embarrassed by not understanding something.Teachers act more as coaches and guides and less as disciplinarians. It’s free. It can be used anywhere there is a computer and the internet. Teachers and parents love it. Best of all, students love it. None get left behind or embarrassed by not understanding something.
Stephen KeeseFairfax, Calif.Stephen KeeseFairfax, Calif.
To the Editor:To the Editor:
High school now exists somewhere between your bed and your desk; this is a record of it.High school now exists somewhere between your bed and your desk; this is a record of it.
Minute 0: You wake up realizing you have a Zoom in less than one minute. Maybe Global History? French? You spend a couple of seconds in shock and then the next minute scrambling to get your laptop and notebook and somehow manage a bowl of dry cereal before logging on.Minute 0: You wake up realizing you have a Zoom in less than one minute. Maybe Global History? French? You spend a couple of seconds in shock and then the next minute scrambling to get your laptop and notebook and somehow manage a bowl of dry cereal before logging on.
Minute 1: You enter the call on time and are one of the first. People start to join and are automatically put in the waiting room. They either text their friends or post a notification on Google Classroom to be let in from the waiting room.Minute 1: You enter the call on time and are one of the first. People start to join and are automatically put in the waiting room. They either text their friends or post a notification on Google Classroom to be let in from the waiting room.
Minute 3: More people join. Still only around 10 out of 30. Students enter muted, but the teacher tries to talk to them without realizing they are muted or have not connected the audio. It is uncomfortable to watch because it happens so frequently. You kinda want to say something but don’t.Minute 3: More people join. Still only around 10 out of 30. Students enter muted, but the teacher tries to talk to them without realizing they are muted or have not connected the audio. It is uncomfortable to watch because it happens so frequently. You kinda want to say something but don’t.
Minute 5: You hang tight and are still muted. The teacher asks how everyone is doing. You say you are fine. So does everyone. Just a one-word answer that simultaneously sums up everything and nothing about your life right now.Minute 5: You hang tight and are still muted. The teacher asks how everyone is doing. You say you are fine. So does everyone. Just a one-word answer that simultaneously sums up everything and nothing about your life right now.
Minutes 8 through 15: Technological difficulties ensue: echoey audio, frozen screens, bad connection. This is the point in which the flow of the class hasn’t set in yet (does it ever?) and it still feels hectic.Minutes 8 through 15: Technological difficulties ensue: echoey audio, frozen screens, bad connection. This is the point in which the flow of the class hasn’t set in yet (does it ever?) and it still feels hectic.
Minute 16: Someone’s sibling walks past in their pajamas.Minute 16: Someone’s sibling walks past in their pajamas.
Minute 17: The teacher is finally starting the lesson. For some reason, everybody’s pet senses this and gets the idea that they should “chime in,” too. The animals howl, screech and scream.Minute 17: The teacher is finally starting the lesson. For some reason, everybody’s pet senses this and gets the idea that they should “chime in,” too. The animals howl, screech and scream.
Minute 25: You feel overwhelmed by how many people are shoved onto this one small screen. It feels fake and forced. Very little information is actually retained.Minute 25: You feel overwhelmed by how many people are shoved onto this one small screen. It feels fake and forced. Very little information is actually retained.
Minute 28: A question is posed from the teacher to anyone. Everyone knows the answer but no one says anything. Most questions go unanswered or the teacher answers them.Minute 28: A question is posed from the teacher to anyone. Everyone knows the answer but no one says anything. Most questions go unanswered or the teacher answers them.
Minutes 30-40: Breakout rooms. One of two options: Do the work quickly and efficiently and then wait, doing nothing for what feels like eternity. Or, the other option: Talk about how crazy this whole thing is. But the timing is messed up for the breakout room so before you can get to the questions, the breakout rooms close and you regroup with the rest of the class and still do nothing for a long time.Minutes 30-40: Breakout rooms. One of two options: Do the work quickly and efficiently and then wait, doing nothing for what feels like eternity. Or, the other option: Talk about how crazy this whole thing is. But the timing is messed up for the breakout room so before you can get to the questions, the breakout rooms close and you regroup with the rest of the class and still do nothing for a long time.
Minute 41: Someone’s parent calls them from offscreen. They shout back to the parent that they are in class. In the unfortunate circumstance, the parent comes in front of the camera, still not realizing their child is in a class and tells them to clean their room Right Now.Minute 41: Someone’s parent calls them from offscreen. They shout back to the parent that they are in class. In the unfortunate circumstance, the parent comes in front of the camera, still not realizing their child is in a class and tells them to clean their room Right Now.
Minute 42: In a final attempt to pass on information, the teacher shares his or her screen. It is almost instantly filled with annotations from tired students and the screen is covered in markers. The teacher, drained of energy, decides to end the Zoom early. The students, equally drained, leave the Zoom. Nothing new has been learned, except for the problems with online learning.Minute 42: In a final attempt to pass on information, the teacher shares his or her screen. It is almost instantly filled with annotations from tired students and the screen is covered in markers. The teacher, drained of energy, decides to end the Zoom early. The students, equally drained, leave the Zoom. Nothing new has been learned, except for the problems with online learning.
Miles RideoutNew YorkThe writer is a sophomore at The Beacon School.Miles RideoutNew YorkThe writer is a sophomore at The Beacon School.