The Covid Effect

The Covid Effect

By Jennifer Stark

Two years of multiple school closures. Two years of multiple isolations. Two years of multiple interruptions. It’s only natural that we recognize what our children have lost. Before Covid ever entered our lives, students either attended school or they were homeschooled. However, the hybrid model of learning – which features a teacher who instructs both in person and online – and  face-to-face learning one day vs. remote learning the next was never on our radar. Until it was.

And when this unchartered territory became our new world, we spent two years wishing it would end. As parents and teachers, we often focused on the negatives: parents and educators both overwhelmed, exhausted, and ill-prepared.  Add that to an array of emotions centered around trying to stay physically healthy, it’s no wonder that society’s mental health was on a rapid decline.

As the terms “social-distance” and “isolation” became common words in our vocabulary, our definition of normal changed. In a world where modern learning involves centers, group work, and de-fronting classrooms, Covid brought back outdated models of single file rows, formal “frontal” lessons, and little conversation in the classroom. When schools were closed, we moved to virtual spaces which most had little, if any, experience with which made it difficult to fathom.

So, if this is true, then did our children and educators gain anything positive from these two years? The answer is yes.

First, students have learned how to navigate the virtual learning environment. They are technologically savvy, and have become extremely proficient in digital learning platforms and programs like Google Classroom and Google Read and Write. They have learned how to use those platforms to strengthen their research skills, productivity, and output. For some educators, who were more comfortable using traditional “pen-and-paper” methods, Covid forced them to explore digital platforms that would support remote learning. Formative feedback became easier to share with students and students found it quicker to make changes. We all learned to foster digital group work by encouraging students to work collaboratively on digital assignments using programs that feature digital shares such as Google Slides and Google Documents. This allows multiple students to work on any one document simultaneously.

Second, the last two years taught us the importance of versatility. Change is never easy. But learning to “roll with it” is a quality that helps us remain calm in unforeseen circumstances. We learned to stop predicting what would be and instead, we learned to just accept what came our way. We began to adapt to “face-to-face” vs “remote” learning environments as they crept up on us at any given moment.

Third, the last two years have allowed students to demonstrate their resiliency. We know that the choppy lessons, curriculum gaps, and environmental shifts in education have not been easy or healthy for many. However, as we watch restrictions lifted in school environments, we are beginning to see the resiliency of our children. Yes we suffered. And yes, many of us struggled to cope. But as we try to return to our old sense of normal, we are starting to see our children happier than ever. They can bounce back. In all likelihood, the Covid years will not have long-lasting effects on their academics. As our schools continue to shift back to pre-Covid regulations and protocols, so will our students’ approach to learning.

There is no question – we experienced some losses during Covid. However, we also experienced some gains. And when we can acknowledge that, we can move forward.