Learning for Life: Which Path is Right For You?
By Brooke Foster
NEVER STOP LEARNING by 1001Love from Getty Images Signature
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From leafing through the crisp pages of a new textbook to logging on to Buzz, schooling has evolved over the years. 2020 has clearly been no exception. Students find themselves thrown into a whole new world filled with uncertainty. . .
“How will I apply to college?”
“What is distance learning?”
“This isn’t what I signed up for!”
With a world transformed by a medical crisis, how can the next generation of innovators prepare for their futures?
The novel coronavirus (or COVID-19) has affected the lives of students around the globe. During this time, brick-and-mortar schools have taken the opportunity to go virtual. Instead of the traditional classroom setting, teachers are connecting with their students via video-conferencing platforms (such as Zoom or GoToMeeting) and finding digital learning alternatives. This has caused students to get used to a whole new way of learning.
This latest form of home learning has taken the world by storm, with plenty of mixed opinions. In a survey within NorthStar Academy’s Student Body, new and veteran students were asked the question: “What are some modern homeschooler/virtual schooler stereotypes you have heard of?”
However, before we get into busting these myths, there is one thing to take into account: online schooling is not entirely homeschooling. There is a fine line between these learning styles. While online learners work on school at home, instead of creating an original curriculum, they simply take the traditional teacher and classroom experience wherever they go!
“Homeschoolers don’t have social skills or a social life…”
One of the most common misconceptions about online learning is that there is a lack of socialization opportunities -- a myth busted time and time again. Online schooling does allow students the chance to connect with others. . .you just need to know where to look (Figure 1). One NorthStar student, who recently transferred to a traditional learning environment, said their favorite part about NSA was the people they met: “I really enjoyed learning about different cultures and parts of the world.”
There are many socialization opportunities for students at NorthStar Academy!
“Homeschoolers don’t have hard classes… / Homeschooling isn’t ‘real schooling’...”
Oftentimes, school can feel like the most difficult thing in the world. Just a little bit of procrastination and suddenly you have to read twenty chapters, tackle piles of unfinished homework, and somehow have an essay due on Monday. Sound familiar? To traditional school students, this can be an average week. Many dream of the “luxuries” of being an online student, free to do whatever they wish without fear of deadlines. Is this truly the case? NorthStar Academy junior, Sarah Grace Patrick, says otherwise: “Long story short, online students must master time management, fitting in both the time it takes to complete their classwork as well as taking detailed notes and learning the concepts on their own. Online students must also master the process of note taking to a degree that students in traditional schools do not require.”
Finally, an interesting perspective to consider is the effect online schooling has on the student. The presence of COVID-19 has brought about an increase of students enrolled in online learning programs (whether through public or private institutions). What about the students transferring to traditional schooling during the pandemic? We reached out to a few individuals about their experiences, both online and in the classroom.
When broached with the subject, Alexis Tuyo (a sophomore at NorthStar Academy) had this to say: “I personally started homeschooling in 7th grade. I had been in brick and mortar schools my whole life up till then. I prefer NSA over brick and mortar. Not only can you choose your own classes to tailor to your preferences (and what you need to do for your career choice)...you can find it easier to get things done and even work ahead just to take a random day off.”
NorthStar Academy graduate, Jonathan Stirtz, recently shared his thoughts on transferring out of an online learning environment. He firmly believes his experiences as a student at NSA helped him better prepare for the transition. “Brick and mortar schools also use online assignments, and online school also teaches you how to make your own schedule which helps in college.”
This was later echoed by another past NorthStar Academy student, who said, “I feel like NSA prepared me well for a brick and mortar school. Going to NSA forced me to learn how to manage my time, and get used to harder workloads. Managing homework and assignments is easier for me than it is for other students.”
At the end of the day, there are so many different ways to learn. It doesn’t matter whether you choose a traditional brick-and-mortar school or let the world be your classroom. The important thing to keep in mind is to find what works best for you.
Brooke Foster is going into her third year with NorthStar Academy. She is currently serving as Student Council President for the 20-21 school year. In her free time, Brooke enjoys reading, writing, singing, and listening to the latest Broadway soundtracks. In the future, Brooke hopes to be able to use her skills to give a voice to those in need.