Pros and Cons of Virtual/Blended Learning

During the onset of COVID, it has affected individuals’ classrooms, causing education to be virtual in the Beginning of the 2020-2021 School Year. However, students must now decide whether to transition to a Blended Learning model or stay Virtual for Semester 2. Furthermore, teachers have no choice but to adapt yet again to another teaching model.

Maui High School plans to welcome students back on campus at the start of Quarter 3. Students must decide if they want to transition to Blended Learning or continue in the current Distance Learning arrangement.

According to an announcement from Maui High School, “A family who does not want their student to receive instruction and educational services onsite at the school for Q3 and Q4 of the 2020-21 SY may request to have instruction completed via distance learning by completing the Maui High School Distance Learning Opt-In Application.”

There are obvious benefits and new challenges in what these both settings offer. As students contemplate and choose their preferred learning model, the school has announced that it will continue to accept Opt-In forms. Originally, the school requested for forms to be submitted by December 11th, 2020.

Distance Learning:

A common advantage students gain with attending classes virtually from home is flexibility. Maui High School Junior Kalem Ringlen says, “We have a lot more free time on our hands. With this, many students can be finishing up other academic work, catching up on sleep, or doing leisure activities.” There is more flexibility on what students can do with the spare time if a class ends early or if class time is given to work independently on class assignments.

“Teachers are more understanding this time. Like the majority of my teachers would have 30 mins of class and the other half would be free time,” explains Angeline Cayetano as well.

With everything that may be going on in students’ personal lives, flexibility in learning the instruction makes their schedules more convenient and comforting.

Some setbacks that come with distance learning can be a lack of communication, distractions and intrusive environments.

The ability to be in touch and know each other isn’t present in virtual learning

Aliyah Casyuran, a Sophomore attending, shares “It separates the interaction between our friends and teachers. Many students tend to have a hard time paying attention due to distractions at home, such as our family, phones, pets, etc....”

In addition, “...They (teachers) won’t know whether a student does or doesn’t understand a specific topic based on facial expressions since many have their cameras off.”

Each student is different, and the best learning environment may largely depend on the individual student. Art teacher Niccole Long concludes that, “Introverted students feel safer because they don’t have to be in a crowd in classrooms or campus. Intrinsically motivated students do well in Asynchronous classes (a class where teachers provide materials for lectures/assignments and students access and satisfy these requirements on their own schedule, as long they meet the expected deadlines). Safety is an obvious pro, and I appreciate our administration's efforts in that regard. Extroverted students don’t get as many chances to interact with others as they need. Students who need more encouragement aren’t getting enough time with their teachers.”

Blended Learning:

A blended learning model would have students attending class on campus as well as attending virtually from home on a rotational basis. Ailyah feels that “blended learning is a good idea for students who want to go back for help.” In-person learning does offer the student more support.

Still, there are several concerns with transitioning to this model. Considering most have already spent a lot of time and dedication adjusting to virtual learning and adapting to a new routine, some are dismayed at the time and effort it would take to re-adjust once more.

Richard Pacheco, a Science teacher at MHS, says “a con to blended learning is being able to manage students being present as well as virtual.” Teachers would be teaching students in class and on-line simultaneously.

Ms. Long adds, “The already confusing reality of which class to attend and whether it is meeting or not will be compounded with the additional detail of which days and classes need to be attended in the actual classroom. Some staff and students are already stressed enough as it is without adding that layer.”

Secondly, as COVID-19 is still out there without an available vaccine, students and teachers are worried about the safety and well-being for themselves and others.

With returning to campus, even part-time, comes “the fear of catching the virus and bringing it home to our families,” Kalem says.

“I don’t want to put my family, especially the older ones, at risk for COVID,” Aliyah explains.

The ever-lingering question is “Is it safe for students to return?”

It has been reported that Covid-19 has been present on the school campus.

In a parent letter dated November 30, 2020, Principal Jaime Yap reported that a school employee was recently diagnosed with COVID-19. The letter assured families that “Our school is taking the necessary precautions including notifying potential close contact, closing and disinfecting the impacted areas, coordinating with the Hawai’i Department of Education's COVID-19 Response Team and sharing case information with the Hawaii State Department of Health.”

From the students interviewed for this article, all have selected to remain in full distance learning for the rest of the school year.

Hannah Okamoto, a junior at MHS, also observed all her classes as well. In general class polls on the topic, Hannah says that more than half say they will be sticking to distance learning as well.

The second semester will begin when students return from Winter Break on January 5th. Some students will be returning to campus. Perhaps a lot fewer than anticipated.