By Ariyana Griffin
The Coronavirus, also known as Covid-19, has affected and changed the world as we know it in just a few months. With the rapid spread of the virus and mandatory quarantines, the world has seen massive amounts of people losing jobs, businesses are closing, and students at all levels have were forced to learn remotely. This pandemic has proved to be a trying time for the entire world as everyone is challenged to cope with this new normal.
In Georgia, Clark Atlanta University students have been online since March 13, 2020, and have not been allowed back on campus since. Students are open to their concerns and desire to go back to campus as soon as possible on social media platforms. Many found that online learning is not for them. The switch was abrupt and unforeseen. Not only were students unprepared, but neither were teachers. Students are forced to move out of student housing quickly, secure housing elsewhere, or unexpectedly returns home. Likewise, professors were transitioned to online teaching formats in the middle of the semester.
Due to different time zones, not having a safe home environment, working and going to school, and even being too familiar with the teacher or the class material, online school has been challenging for many.
Thankfully the University provided laptops for every student who helped; last semester, many students were forced to work on their phones or tablets.
Miracle Trice, a junior Mass Media student, stated, “online school is the worse thing that I have experienced, I was unprepared for the switch, and it does not align with my learning style. I wish professors would be more understanding and helpful during these times.”
Some students find it difficult to be online because they feel isolated; virtual events are not the same. Samaria Milton, a junior Political Science student, stated, “ online school has crippled my mental health. With the constant battle between juggling work, an unbelievable workload, as well as internal battles, it is difficult to find success in virtual learning.”
Last year seniors were unable to have a traditional senior year, including graduation. Due to the covid numbers, it seems as if the class of 2021 will have the same situation. Brandon Louie-Irby, a senior Accountant student, expressed, “The semester being shorter now we have to learn the stuff even faster than before, it is overall a no for me especially being an accounting major and the way that I learn I need to be in a physical classroom with the physical teacher present teaching the class.”
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