Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, teachers and students have found a solution to continue their learning and education by means of using modern technology of electronic devices at home – it is called “Distance Learning”. Using video conferencing, education was able to carry on without worrying about wearing masks, being six feet apart from each other, checking body temperatures, and even having to sanitize every classroom for every class period.

“Distance Learning” which started in this year of 2020 has been a process that is ever changing. Starting off the 2020 school year with online schooling, many teachers and students already had their individual thoughts and opinions about this situation.

“OMG!! I MISS KIDS!!! THIS IS NOT COOL AT ALL!” exclaimed Dr. Sherry Jackson, the principal of Cesar Chavez High. “LOTS OF CHANGES IN THE WAY WE USUALLY DO THINGS, INCLUDING NEW SYSTEMS TO LEARN AND WORK AROUND!”

Students, however, were just excited to be receiving real instruction after the spring stay at home semester. “I think it’s the most effective during these times because we actually get instructions and can ask teachers for help.” Glaiza Formoso, a Chavez Sophomore, stated. Another Chavez student, Jeszerae Montanez
added, ”I was for opening in distance learning because I know how bad the virus is, especially in our state and the chances of someone getting it at school is way too dangerous.”

Teachers worked tirelessly over summer to try to create new ways to successful do academics from a distance. However, even with the new changes some teachers still really wanted to be with their kids after the first day of school. Mrs. Eaton said, “I want to go back to normal. I miss being with them, and my butt was numb by my third class.” Another Chavez teacher, Mr. Chan though was a little more straightforward with his answer,” For staff, would you dare to go back to work knowing the chance of bringing back the virus home to your oldies or own kids?! Think about it. We are talking about life and death here.”

Most seniors were hoping to get back to some sense of normalcy, however the beginning of the school year called for more distance among students in order to be safe. Titan senior Cassandra Barrozo says, “ I agree to it since the cases are not yet going down. Since it’s my last year, I was expecting to see my co-seniors at school, but turns out we started virtually which made me a little bit disappointed.” Another Chavez student, Abel Abarca, a sophomore agreed with putting safety first, “It was mostly weird to show our face in front of the camera.”  He continued, “It’s better to learn on the computer rather than to go to school and have the risk of getting the coronavirus, since it’s been pretty bad in the US.”

Not all members of the education field agreed with starting in distance learning however. According to Mr. Morin, “So far, kids have been really, really resistant to the disease. We should have teachers, kids, and parents that want to be in school, be allowed to be at school, and we deal with illnesses just as we would (with) the flu or chickenpox or other things.”

As much as many teachers and students wanted to kick off their school year with friends or form new bonds, it just simply isn’t safe. Distance learning is new for all of us and teachers are just as frustrated as students. However, this is the best, the most effective, and the safest way to continue our means of learning. This is a new learning experience, and it will take time for us to adapt to this new environment. We will adapt, and we will adapt well until COVID-19 is over.