The Hybrid Learning Disconnect


FWHS teachers have had to adapt in order to maintain normalcy during a time where almost every aspect of our daily routines has changed. Within the hybrid learning model many have concerns about how the quality of learning has changed while juggling their anxiety about the safety of the school in general.

One of the biggest challenges across the board has been synchronizing learning for all students. Trying to connect students sitting in their beds with students at their desks has put stress on teachers.

“There really is no way to replace being in the classroom all working together towards common goals,” said Mr. Galluci, a global teacher at Warde. “Yes, you could be connected through a device, or working on something at home like you would in class, but I think the person to person interaction in a full classroom is something that cannot be replaced fully.”

The in person aspect to learning is especially important in science classes.

“It is difficult to replace the ‘in-person’ quality of instruction that seems to be difficult to obtain using this model,” said Mr Brooks, a science teacher at Warde. “Labs are the highlight of chemistry and biology. Virtual labs in my opinion do not have the same impact.”

Students are also feeling the disconnect from the classroom.

“It is difficult for teachers to keep up with the needs of students in different cohorts, when kids at home have questions it’s harder to get answers because teachers through no fault of their own tend to focus more on the people in class,” said Conor Ortega a senior at Warde. “Kids aren’t prioritizing actual learning and are just focusing on getting by.”

It’s more comfortable to learn at home but the environment is harder to learn in.

“It can be harder to focus at home,” said Leah Fry, a sophomore at Warde. “It’s great that I can stay in bed and do work but it is much easier to learn in a classroom with other students and a teacher.”

Teachers are working hard to keep up with the new demands from the two different groups of learners. It is harder than ever before to not fall behind on emails and make sure the quality of learning remains high.

“Additional demands are being made of teachers at a time when doing business as usual – delivering lessons and offering students feedback – is more time consuming than ever,” said Mrs. Landowne, an English teacher at Warde.

There are only so many hours in a day. Mrs. Morgan, a math teacher at Warde is feeling this way trying to multitask between the online kids and in person kids.

“There are many pieces to doing both at the same time and little time to get everything done.”

The increase in screen time has become a prevalent issue with most if not all work being done online. Students are now spending 6-7 hours on their computers not to mention the time they spend on their phone or watching television.

“I ask my students often how they feel about the current hybrid model and they overwhelmingly prefer to be in school, with their friends and teachers,” said Mrs. Moses, a business teacher at Warde. “They have also told me that it is very difficult to be on-screen all day long and they miss good old fashioned paper, pens and pencils.”

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