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How to Bloom on Zoom
On the closing days of March Break, I wrote an article about the upcoming phenomenon of online learning, and after a month, here is how students are feeling. First of all, back before Zoom classes were a reality, I asked my peers what they anticipated the most challenging aspects would be. Most answers involved different time zones and poor internet connection, however, opinions have changed.
On April 17th, the day before our first “class-free Saturday” I asked them “After a month of Zoom classes, what are the most prominent struggles you are facing?” I received many answers, but they were all roughly the same: staying focused, staying motivated and missing friends.
Tommy M, Privett ‘23 exclaimed that he was “feeling disconnected from peers and teachers while learning.” Sophia K, Allard ‘20 concluded that she was “missing classroom activities and being able to connect with classmates”. Students also find it difficult to “not be on campus and see our friends on a day-to-day basis” pouted Jagre K, Privett ‘23.
On the focusing side of things, students are finding Zoom lessons not as entertaining or easy to follow as normal Brentwood classes and therefore are having difficulties staying motivated.
For those of you who are struggling to stay focused, sitting in front of your laptops all day, here are some tips from me, Mr Ganley and Google.
Since students do not have sign-ins and Houseparents to encourage them to get to class, some of us are getting up five minutes before class, and are not well prepared for the day. I encourage you to get up at least 20 minutes before classes start, and to get something nutritious to “fuel you for your day” added Mr Ganley. I also encourage you to get up and move during your five-minute breaks; it is scientifically proven to help with learning. Removing distractions such as cell phones will further help you stay engaged. Also, studies show that you will work more efficiently if you have a dedicated workspace as well as comfortable seating - and a standing option - so your mind isn’t thinking about how uncomfortable you are while you should be learning math.
Online school is not ideal: from 8 am staff meetings on Saturday and not being able to practice with your arts classes and sports teams to “being with your classmates but not really with them” Sophia K, Zoom classes are not perfect but we are all doing our best.
Learning to bloom on Zoom.
Jensa NG, Mack ‘23
On April 17th, the day before our first “class-free Saturday” I asked them “After a month of Zoom classes, what are the most prominent struggles you are facing?” I received many answers, but they were all roughly the same: staying focused, staying motivated and missing friends.
Tommy M, Privett ‘23 exclaimed that he was “feeling disconnected from peers and teachers while learning.” Sophia K, Allard ‘20 concluded that she was “missing classroom activities and being able to connect with classmates”. Students also find it difficult to “not be on campus and see our friends on a day-to-day basis” pouted Jagre K, Privett ‘23.
On the focusing side of things, students are finding Zoom lessons not as entertaining or easy to follow as normal Brentwood classes and therefore are having difficulties staying motivated.
For those of you who are struggling to stay focused, sitting in front of your laptops all day, here are some tips from me, Mr Ganley and Google.
Since students do not have sign-ins and Houseparents to encourage them to get to class, some of us are getting up five minutes before class, and are not well prepared for the day. I encourage you to get up at least 20 minutes before classes start, and to get something nutritious to “fuel you for your day” added Mr Ganley. I also encourage you to get up and move during your five-minute breaks; it is scientifically proven to help with learning. Removing distractions such as cell phones will further help you stay engaged. Also, studies show that you will work more efficiently if you have a dedicated workspace as well as comfortable seating - and a standing option - so your mind isn’t thinking about how uncomfortable you are while you should be learning math.
Online school is not ideal: from 8 am staff meetings on Saturday and not being able to practice with your arts classes and sports teams to “being with your classmates but not really with them” Sophia K, Zoom classes are not perfect but we are all doing our best.
Learning to bloom on Zoom.
Jensa NG, Mack ‘23