Letter: Online learning is not a switch

In a letter to the editor, Kathy Hathaway writes that she feels blessed that her son is being educated in an online school (“Online school can be a blessing,” April 30).

I am a teacher, and I want Hathaway to know that I am truly glad that she found an educational solution that works for her son; that is what all teachers hope for all children. However, it works for her son now without a hitch because the school is full-time online. That school has developed over time the materials, teaching methods and organization to provide effective online education. The school and her family have committed themselves to this learning environment.

That is not the case for the thousands of students and teachers who are in the brick-and-mortar public schools. This is a crisis situation, and overnight everything changed.

While teachers have risen mightily to the challenge and are doing wonderful things, that is exactly what it is — a challenge. And it is a challenge for everyone. The teachers and students are used to being in each other's company. Teachers are used to being right in the room to help their students. Students are used to structure, a schedule, and the physical presence of a caring teacher and much-needed friendships.

Households are disrupted because whole families are sharing one or two computers; some have none. School districts are trying their hardest to see that the best that can be done, is done.

Online learning is not something that can be switched on and off at will, which many people seem to believe. Maybe after this crisis, it will become that way.

As I look ahead to starting the next school year, I don't know whether I should plan to meet my students in person or online. The way I plan my lessons will be quite different in those situations. I hope for the best, as always, and for me, and I believe the majority of my students, that is to be where we feel we belong — our public schools.

Denise Pfeiffer, Murray

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