Involuntary Homeschool
COVID-19 has forced most U.S. schools to go online - how are students and families managing the impacts of distance learning?
In many ways, the world has stood still for almost an entire year. While officials and citizens alike clamor for answers about the coronavirus pandemic, the U.S. is expected to be in some version of lockdown protocol for the foreseeable future.
Students are one of the demographics that this new but necessary way of living will have longterm effects on. The challenges of distance learning have not only affected students of all ages, but instructors and parents as well.
“The isolation is really wreaking havoc in the kids."
Alicia Cruz, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
San Francisco-based licensed marriage and family therapist Alicia Cruz is a mother of two. She said there are a variety of possible reasons that some students are struggling profusely with online learning.
“There's no privacy,” Cruz said. “So there's loud sounds everywhere. They might not even have earphones, right, to sort of insulate the sounds. So we have to make sure that we don’t forget about that. Not everybody has a desk at home, or the space to learn privately.”
Alicia's Advice
Although the circumstances are out of everyone's control, there are some tips that can help children and adults alike get through the quarantine.
Click the play button to hear Alicia's advice.
Several months in, students are still learning to cope with the changes that come with remote learning.
Eighth graders from Meadowbrook Middle School in Poway, California get to navigate this time with more relaxed rules than other school districts. For example, Meadowbrook students are not required to dress as if they are attending school in person — they can wear whatever they want.
"It's a lot more free for me."
Emily, 14
Meadowbrook Middle School students share the ups and downs of distance learning.
Zain, a 7th grader in the Silicon Valley, appreciates how teachers have managed this online semester compared to the spring, when the pandemic caused a sudden shift to distance learning.
“I think they’re getting back into their rhythm," Zain said. "They’re using the time more efficiently. I think that I’m learning more now compared to last semester, but of course, not as if we were still in-person.”
"I still feel like the things kids are missing — it is going to leave some void in their lives."
Ansa Obaid, mother
Seventh grade student Zain and his mother, Ansa, talk about their family's experience living, studying, and working at home together over the past 9 months of the coronavirus pandemic.
COVID-19 and the subsequent lockdown has put things into perspective for many involved with the education system. Since the beginning of the pandemic, and with no true end in sight, flexibility is key, said Zain's mother, Ansa Obaid.
“One learning lesson that I get out of this whole thing is that you need to start being comfortable with the uncertainty,” Obaid said.
Staying healthy and equipped during the ongoing pandemic
Teachers, mental health advocates and community members have put together several resources to help children and parents keep their mental health and education on track during these months at home
Online Learning Resources for Grades K-12
Check out this comprehensive list of education and career resources for children, teens, and young adults by We Are Teachers.
Mental Health Resources
Seek therapy or counseling through your healthcare provider, mental health organizations, or find affordable options through Bay Area Community Counseling.
Quarantine Resource List
This list is a compilation of articles, podcasts and more in multiple languages. There are specific resources for students, immigrant communities, and LGBTQ+ individuals as well as general COVID-19 info.
Produced by Noor Baig, KK Interchuck
and Miles Voci