Throughout the years, online learning days have become a regular part of high school students’ education, with one occurring every few months. In fact, for the past few weeks students have been spending more time attending school virtually due to inclement weather conditions, which can cause safety concerns. Teachers work from home and provide assignments as well as help students. Students are expected to log on online and complete their work for all of their classes. However, due to this shift, the question arises as to whether online learning days are actually effective and impactful to students compared to simply having a snow day.
From a teacher’s perspective, these virtual classes result in varied engagement and participation in assignments. This is because many factors go into how successful these days are, including familiarity with the topic and the learning environment. It is crucial students have an effective environment at home for learning, without any major distractions. Additionally, in certain classes where students feel confident and prepared, assignments can be completed with ease. On the other hand, kids who are not as focused may struggle more. A Lambert math teacher, Mrs. Savanna Reynolds noticed this pattern with her classes.
“I think math is specific, because a lot of them [students] need guidance and affirmation in math to make sure that they’re doing it right, or that they don’t get it wrong, because it can be hard to find their mistake,” she said.
Compared to snow days, which are a complete break from learning, online learning days allow teachers to continue teaching content. Additionally, these days can shift teachers’ long-term plans. Because it is difficult to teach something new online, teachers tend to assign review work. This can have a big impact on the flow of instruction, often resulting in extra lessons or more time spent on the same topic.
“I think the biggest challenge for teachers is adjusting pacing and trying to make sure that everything fits in their unit plan,” Mrs. Reynolds explained.
At the same time, students also have challenges with online learning days, such as lack of motivation or the pressure to finish all the work. They can feel overwhelmed, due to the many classes they have to complete work for. In addition, without the structure of a classroom with a teacher, students can sometimes feel unmotivated to do their work, since they know no one is actively watching them. On a full snow day, students do not experience these academic pressures since it is considered a holiday.
“I feel like kids aren’t really processing what they’re writing down. They’re just doing it to get it over with,” sophomore Saanvi Panda said
Despite these challenges, however, online learning days offer benefits as well. This can include increased productivity because students are in a comfortable environment. Additionally students do not feel rushed as they can work at their own pace.
“I feel I’m more productive during online days because I’m in the comfort of my own home, and no one’s rushing me to do anything and I can learn my own way,” Panda explained.
Overall, online learning days are a good way to maintain engagement in students while also preventing lost instructional time. Mrs. Reynolds shares her perspective, explaining that online work should have a clear plan and helpful resources for it to be beneficial.
“I think they’re effective if the work is tailored to the online learning day…if I give an online plan that I think is manageable, and answer keys are posted, or notes about it, then I think that it’s beneficial,” shared Mrs. Reynolds.
When in person learning is not possible, online learning days can be an effective alternative. While some may prefer a snow day because of the break it provides, online learning days allow students to stay on track and develop independence. With efficient time management and motivation, online learning days can support student learning.
