As of this writing, you are probably on a quarantine, no matter where you are in the world due to COVID-19 and the global pandemic. Because of this, the way we live our normal lives has changed, for better or for worse. There is a looming question on how we should move forward from this and whether or not our lives will be the same in all aspects. From the way we communicate, to the way we shop, to even the way we learn and work, all of it will have to change to assure the safety of society. You will probably also have lots of questions about your daily life moving forward – as we all do. We’ll try to break it down for you on what the outlook is generally around the world. As some countries are easing back into a more regular, safe schedule, there are some places, especially in the USA that struggle with keeping everyone safe while still functioning as society.
What exactly has changed?
By now, you’ve probably gotten accustomed to wearing a mask in public to help prevent the spread of disease and illness. But this is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to social change implanted by local and federal governments. Washing hands and sanitizing hands have become mandatory in most places – workers also need to use gloves when handling products and foods. Face Masks are required to enter stores and other public places as well.
Schools have also been heavily affected by the pandemic. This has become a hot topic around the world as the fall semester is getting closer and closer or has already arrived. Some schools opted to continue distance learning and online courses, whereas some schools have opened their doors for students in offline, in-class courses.
Is it safe to go back to the classroom?
This is a highly debatable topic, as COVID-19 has varying effects, both long and short term, on people of all ages. Safety should be a priority of all schools, making sure there is a safe learning environment for everyone. Students who are susceptible to illness and disease should take precautions and should ask if there are alternative methods of learning due to your conditions. Deeming classrooms and schools safe depend on your area and the level of infection. Generally speaking, we should always be careful in all situations, but if returning back to school there are several ways schools have prepared.
Within those classrooms, they have a wide range of rules and regulations in place to keep them safe for return.
- Social Distancing Measures: Your traditional classroom may look quite different. The spacing of desks and public areas will be controlled. Think abou 6ft of distancing in the hallways; staggered passing periods – scheduled lunches – alternating lockers just to name a few. Teachers’ desks will be further from students’ desks, and they should be more careful about their distancing with the students.
- Practice Hygienic Practices: With the spread of germs so commonplace in today’s world, it makes sense to change the hygienic practices to ensure the safety of others. Washing hands thoroughly for 20 seconds, avoiding touching doorknobs and other common touching areas, and sanitizing your hands and workspace – are just some ways schools can prepare for returning back to the classroom.
- Wear a face mask: This simple task of wearing a mask will be the easiest way to help prevent the spread. Most places will enforce the rule of requiring face masks to enter buildings and classrooms.
What about online learning?
Some schools and universities are opting out of in-class settings due to safety concerns, but that doesn’t mean that the learning will stop. As most schools finished their previous academic year online, the same situation may continue through the beginning of the next academic year. They have learned how to make learning online a more efficient process and easier for students and parents to follow along.
The school day will still resemble a typical school day inside a classroom – except it will be conducted online via video chat. Just as any school, there will be some new rules and regulations on how these courses are conducted. In any case, learning is the most important aspect of these courses and the rules should be taken seriously to allow the best possible outcome of online courses. Here’s a few things to keep in mind about online classes
- Attendance will be taken: Even though it’s easy to go to classes at home, it can’t be stressed enough that attendance will be very important to ensure that learning will be as efficient as possible. It may be easy to “skip” class and play “hookie” but it doesn’t do you or anyone else any good because you’re missing important instruction time.
- Homework will be important: Since teachers and professors can’t check your work in class, doing your homework on time will give you all the practice you need to learn. Don’t slack off and put it off until later!
- Take your exams seriously: Exams will still be given, probably very different from what you’ve experienced. All the same, they will be testing your knowledge – so it’s still important that you do well and you study hard for these tests. Remember that you are still in school, and you’ll probably still earn grades as you would normally.
Should I go to school if I feel unsafe?
Safety is paramount to learning effectively and efficiently. If you feel unsafe, be sure to let someone know about it. Your parents, your teachers, professors, even administration should listen to a student’s concerns. Education is important but health is even more so.
If you’re lucky enough to take some time off until you’ve figured things off, make sure that you have a plan on how you will use your time off school to still learn and educate yourself. Some students are considering taking a gap year until it’s safe to return to school – if that is within your means then have it open as an option.
If you’re worried about the workload and doing online courses, there’s plenty of help and resources available at your disposal. Assignment Expert is a very handy resource to get you caught up on all your homework assignments and projects.
