Pandemic. Quarantine. Social distancing. Virtual academy. Unprecedented times. These words create a true cacophony for students and teachers all over the modern world. After having the promise of sports seasons, proms, new relationships and in-person education yanked out of their hands, the desires of many students and teachers now only involve a relaxing summer and a fresh start. While the mountain of setbacks and distress presented this year seems insurmountable, the abundance of life skills and lessons learned have also formed an impressive peak of insights.
There has never been a generation more immersed in modern technology than the youth of our world today. Virtual academies and online classes have undeniably increased children’s exposure to innovative engineering and internet technologies, equipping them for the future of societal evolution. The way in which our world communicates constantly changes, and the pace of life increases daily. To keep up with the contemporary values of civilization, children must grow and be successful by using present-day resources. Learning how to type on a keyboard, building new organizational habits through online platforms, and understanding how to research have been mastered this year by children and teenagers alike, preparing them for promising futures.
For those students hoping to maximize their time, the flexible schedules that accompanied virtual academies allowed students to begin habits that would typically be brushed aside. Small workouts, creative projects, and cooking could all play a part in a student’s day if they managed their time wisely. The shorter class periods allowed higher achieving students a more concentrated learning experience, resulting in more time in a day to get ahead on schoolwork. Additionally, students could monitor their work habits and plan breaks based on their most and least productive times of the day. Staying out of the school building also presented the option of taking classes outside during the warmer months and wrapped up in a blanket or PJs in the cold ones, giving students a little bit of freedom during the day.
This year taught children and teenagers the importance of independence. Whether the time at home focused on extra credit work for classes, going on walks and runs to stay in shape, or paying attention to mental health by finding the time to relax and release stress, the 2020-2021 school year differed per student based on approach. Students took their education and personal time into their own hands, molding the experience into something they could cope with and grow from. Perseverance, endurance, and level-headedness can all be considered learned behaviors, and each presented an opportunity to be taught this year.
In the famous words of Benjamin Franklin, “And investment in knowledge pays the best interest.” Education, when utilized correctly, can be a superpower. And while converting millions of students to online schooling could be described as unprecedented, complex, and isolating, the experience has also pushed the boundaries of human innovation and mental strength. Students and teachers worldwide have fought for their education, relationships, hopes, and dreams in the face of deprivation. And while the past year will always be considered a tumultuous derivative from normal life, it remains important to remember the lessons learned, opportunities offered, and limits that have been challenges in the midst of it all.
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