Learning in Times of Corona

As back to school season begins, many are worried about how precautions to prevent the spread of covid-19 will be implemented. Many schools in the Midwest have already begun school and, as a result of a quick reopening, have closed after kids have tested positive for the virus.

Notre Dame in Indiana is one of the few colleges taking a unique approach to reopening. They have committed to having in person learning with social distancing measures, all while moving their timeline up to finish the semester before Thanksgiving. Notre Dame started classes just yesterday, August 10th. However, some students have been on campus for a week or longer already. Every student had to test negative before being welcomed back to campus. Yet, since Notre Dame’s reopening, there has already been one positive case. Students that came into close contact with the student are now quarantining.

Football season, which is considered a big part of student culture in certain universities, is up in the air. With their health at risk, many football players are refusing to play. Others are excited to come back on the field this fall. Some need to continue playing because their medical insurances rely on them being active players. What rides on playing football at such big universities (insurance, scholarships, housing, etc) is far too much for some players to quit. Tailgates would have to stop, and football players would have to play to empty stadiums.

In many public high schools in states that are showing an increase in cases, many have had to temporarily transition into remote learning within the first weeks of reopening. One of the most worrying aspects of having your child attend a school that might have an outbreak, is the potential inflammatory diseases linked to the contraction of covid-19. Because of this, many parents are looking for alternative ways to continue their child’s education.

Many parents have considered joint homeschooling. This idea requires that families first quarantine before the homeschooling classes begin, where they would then conduct class in an outdoor setting, such as a family’s backyard. Different parents could take turns teaching, and kids could have the opportunity of socializing and working with peers. Though this a great alternative for some families, it requires the privilege of being able to work at home. For many families, this is certainly not a reality.

Learning during the pandemic will be challenging. Balancing safety and the most effective ways of teaching will be difficult. But hopefully school will bring some stability in these trying times, whether that is through online or in person classes.