The Global pandemic that is the Coronavirus (COVID-19) has caused us to put a range of “routine activities” on hold during a government shutdown of Basel and further afield. Luxuries like overseas travel have become unheard of and things we took for granted like going out with friends are no longer allowed. Of course it is all in the interests of our own safety, but it can be very frustrating to be stuck in one place for a long time.
One of the many adaptations made globally is online schooling and working from home. We all know that at ISB, the Distance Learning Program revolves around Google Classroom and Google Meets. The majority of the community, teachers and students alike, have never experienced something like this before so everyone is having to quickly adjust.
Personally, adapting to the online classes hasn’t been difficult but the computing and retainment of information during this time has been challenging. The ability to apply my knowledge in discussion has become very difficult too because well, who could I be discussing with? However, online learning has definitely come with its benefits for example, being able to work at my own pace and take breaks mostly when I need/want them. I know so many people who have taken advantage of being able to do most classes whenever they want because it means they finish their day early but there is obviously the other extreme who leave work until the last minute, and to be honest I’ve found myself on both ends of the scale.
It feels like a bygone age since we went to school properly with other human beings and interacted face to face. Although this time has allowed me to reflect on the little things I took for granted before the virus disrupted our lives, like taking the tram and going to the supermarket without having to line up, when we are finally done with this pandemic and we can resume normal living, I’m sure it will be hard to get back into the rhythm of reality and how things used to be.
Distance learning definitely has its pros and cons but at least we are fortunate enough to still be able to learn and continue our education as normal as possible because that is not possible in many parts of the world. This time in our lives is going to be one we all remember for a long time to come so we might as well be grateful for the stability we have and rely on the chance of us going back to our normal routines very soon.
By Alia, Grade 10
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