Education

One area that has greatly been impacted by COVID-19 is the education system. The transition to online learning has brought to light the disparities among students and access to educational tools. This section will look at how students across the country are coping with the situation and provide help and resources for students during this challenging time.

The transition to online learning has highlighted the extreme inequalities among students - specifically looking at those within different economic statuses. Though the intention behind online learning is to continue students' education, it becomes difficult for all to have an equal opportunity to access and continue their education when they don't have the means to do so. Another issue with online learning is the lack of aid for students who are in need of extra assistance, especially those with an autism spectrum disorder or learning disability. Some parents may not have the ability or the skills to give those students the assistance they need. However, with the help of a daily schedule some anxiety may be reduced for both the students and the parents. For all students, regardless of age and learning capabilities, creating a daily schedule can help with productivity and help achieve everyone's needs.

Needless to say, this move to online learning has also put a burden on students' mental health. Some students may be essential workers and still have to work and some may have to move back in with their family, which may put even more responsibility on them on top of their academic responsibilities. In many cases, professors are making assignments optional because they understand that some may be going through a lot, thus helping to slightly alleviate some of the pressure on students. Many schools, including Seton Hall University, have started a student emergency relief fund, in which they are raising money to provide financial aid for those who have been impacted by this pandemic.

Despite some setbacks that come along with online learning, there are a multitude of educators teaching all levels that are doing all that they can to provide continuous, immersive, and enriching learning experiences for their students. Some teachers and professors have taken to playing video games with their classes to help stimulate critical and analytical thinking, as well as using the platform to explore different parts of the world. In one instance, a teacher, whose class was supposed to travel abroad to Greece, has began to play Assassin's Creed with his students so they can still have the ability to see and explore Greece. As noted in the Washington Post, “In 2018, Ubisoft added a new mode to Assassin’s Creed: Origins, which is set in ancient Egypt near the end of the Ptolemaic period, called Discovery Tour. This mode lets players explore Egypt without the interruption of story moments, missions and combat. Instead, players embark on guided tours throughout famous historical sites and cities.”

No matter what you may be feeling, just remember you're not alone and we're going through this pandemic together. As a college student myself, I know how hard it is to balance school and other things while learning remotely - and all during a pandemic! The transition is hard, but knowing that you're not alone in this difficult time is something that can help you stay motivated for the rest of the school year, despite how hard it can get. Remember to take care of yourself and others. Hopefully we'll be able to be back in our classrooms soon!