A few months ago, nobody could have expected how coronavirus would impact our lives here in Westport. One might have expected that it would eventually hit the United States, after traveling across Asia, then through Europe. However, most people certainly did not see full-time online schooling and quarantining on the agenda for April 2020. 

Online schooling is something new for everyone, and it is definitely difficult to navigate due to everyone’s lack of experience with the concept. However, people have been forced to adjust quickly, and for many people, online school has posed a challenge academically because of the lack of student-teacher interaction. Online conferences for all academic classes should therefore be mandatory at Staples, because these conferences offer the face-to-face learning style that many students need.

Schools all across the country are using Zoom and other video-chat platforms for all classes. Although I am using these platforms for some classes, the majority of my assignments are worksheets, videos and readings. These methods of teaching simply don’t provide the same learning experience to students as lessons from a teacher. 

Student-teacher interaction is essential for many people. I have found that one of the most frustrating things about online school is the inability to ask a quick question when I do not understand something, especially in classes such as math and chemistry where concepts need a sufficient amount of explanation. 

Mandatory classes would ensure that concepts are taught as students are used to, and everyone is able to ask questions if need be without having to wait an extended period of time for an emailed response. 

Additionally, although many students at Staples have the self-motivation to do their work and stay on top of their assignments, there are undoubtedly people who lack this same drive. Mandatory attendance to online calls would help keep these students on track with their assignments, and ensure that they don’t fall behind.