As a result of MCHS’s closure, my schedule has looked a little something like this: I wake up in the late morning, I get ready for the day, and I sit down to do my schoolwork. When I need a break, I take one. When I’m hungry, I eat. If the weather is nice and I want to work outside, I do. But, when the day comes to an end and all is said and done, my homework is finished and I have plenty of time for myself.

This is exactly why I think e-learning is so beneficial. Students get to take control of their learning.

One reason why online learning is useful is because I’m able to create my own schedule. For years, students and scholars alike have spoken out about the importance of getting a good night’s sleep. However, not all schools have taken this into consideration when planning their schedules. With the removal of late start from West, and the introduction of early-release, it’s easy to think that students will be able to catch up on sleep then. But, it’s been shown that the body isn’t able to adequately make up for all of the “lost sleep” just by using naps or sleeping in on the weekends. 

Instead of getting up at 5 a.m. every morning and going to sleep late because of homework, I set my own schedule. This has significantly eased my anxiety, and West junior Genesis Crespo says the same. “I definitely like it,” Crespo explains. “It’s a lot less stressful, and my social anxiety has gone way down.”

Along with this, as previously stated, both online learning and social distancing guidelines have allowed me plenty of time to work on the things I want to. Whether that’s playing the new Animal Crossing, watching movies and playing games with my family, crafting the things I’ve wanted to in the past, or simply just going outside, this “break” has allowed me time to experience things I wouldn’t have been able to otherwise. That’s something I think a lot of people can get behind. 

But, this break hasn´t been all play and no work. I’ve found myself more able to focus on my work, as well as be less stressed about school in general. The days are all planned out, finishing the work seems to be less difficult as I have it all in front of me, and support is just an email away.

 This is not to say that there aren’t any difficulties that come with online learning. The increased traffic on Schoology has proved to be quite an annoyance for everyone involved, and there’s a community of students who simply prefer the traditional way of learning. Online learning can prove to be tedious, or it can be harder to focus in the home environment. Additionally, the circumstances we’re in aren’t ideal. 

I am not saying that everyone should love online learning. Instead, it should be acknowledged that for some, this has proved to be an awakening to the options that are out there. Recognizing that there is no one way to learn is an important idea and one that should be voiced to all students.