The COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly disrupted our daily lives, altering our routines and forcing us to adapt in new and unexpected ways. As an educator, I’ve witnessed firsthand the significant impact of the pandemic on schools. After the nationwide closures in spring, many institutions cautiously began to reopen in the fall of 2020, implementing various new safety protocols and policies—masks, socially distanced classrooms, and hybrid learning models. Throughout the past several months, we’ve missed seeing our students’ smiling faces unmasked, engaged in collaborative activities, and enjoying each other’s company in the cafeteria. We’re all eagerly anticipating a return to normalcy.
Yet, with every major disruption comes opportunities for growth and innovation. The rapid adjustments we made to create a safer learning environment during a health crisis demonstrate our resilience and adaptability. Surprisingly, some of these changes have revealed valuable lessons. While we might be eager to discard masks and Zoom links, perhaps there are a few practices worth keeping.
1. Embrace Online Curriculum
For over a decade, schools have encouraged educators to transition their materials online. Platforms like Google Classroom and Schoology have facilitated posting assignments, accepting submissions, and updating grades. However, full adoption has been inconsistent. Many teachers, myself included, have been hesitant to fully utilize these tools, often posting a syllabus at the term’s start and neglecting updates until grades are due. Likewise, some students would rather receive assignments in person or through last-minute texts to friends.
The shift to remote and hybrid learning during COVID has finally compelled everyone to adapt. In a fully online class, assignments must be posted immediately; otherwise, they simply don’t exist. Post-pandemic, teachers will likely feel more comfortable with technology, and students will be more inclined to check their online classrooms for updates. That’s a definite win!
2. Virtual Parent-Teacher Conferences
Social distancing has prompted us to rethink how we arrange gatherings. When in-person meetings are necessary, we can make them brief and safe. However, when possible, virtual meetings are preferable. During the pandemic, we’ve learned that parent-teacher conferences can successfully be conducted online. Instead of parents navigating traffic just to meet for a few minutes, they can schedule a 15-minute appointment at their convenience, fitting it in around dinner and bedtime.
While I appreciate the value of hosting parents in the classroom, it’s reassuring to know we can efficiently connect virtually without requiring a whole evening.
3. The End of Snow Days?
Gone are the days of losing an entire school day to snow. The pandemic has shown us that we can continue learning from home. Instead of traditional snow days, we might now have “remote days,” where students simply log into Zoom from home after receiving a notification about school closure.
Is this a good change? Many students and teachers cherish snow days as a break from routine. Still, school districts often schedule extra days, so we can still have those snow days if desired. The key takeaway is that unforeseen events won’t necessarily mean losing a day of instruction.
4. Keeping Sick Kids Home
In the past, we relied heavily on parents to judge their children’s health before sending them to school. If a child was sniffling or coughing, they would often still attend as long as they weren’t visibly ill. Now, schools are more stringent about keeping symptomatic kids at home, a much-needed shift that I hope will continue.
We should encourage parents to keep sick children home and stay vigilant about outbreaks in the community, not just for COVID but also for flu and other viruses. By paying attention to patterns, we can inform parents and help prevent further spread.
5. Hand Hygiene is Essential
Handwashing has always been a part of early education, but it has now become a universal practice. Children are being taught the importance of proper hand hygiene, and this emphasis should continue even after the threat diminishes.
We’ve established cleaner routines around meal times and individual supplies, such as water bottles and disinfecting workspaces. These practices, once seen as excessive, are now essential skills for kids to learn alongside their academics.
6. Valuing Personal Space
Students have gained a better understanding of personal space. Even when it’s safe to gather again, they may be less inclined to invade each other’s personal boundaries. We’ve discussed “bubbles” of personal space, and now children are more aware of maintaining a comfortable distance.
Educators should also consider allowing students more personal space. While collaborative learning is crucial, not every child thrives in a group setting. Some have flourished in a more independent, distanced environment. It’s essential to recognize diverse learning styles and provide opportunities for both collaboration and individual reflection.
The COVID-19 pandemic has been a tragic event, bringing loss and confusion. However, as we move forward, we can emerge stronger and more informed. When we finally return to the classroom and greet our students, we will bring a wealth of new experiences. Education is a continuous learning process, and adapting to our recent challenges is a crucial part of that journey.
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Summary:
The COVID-19 pandemic has prompted significant changes in education, leading to valuable lessons in online curriculum management, virtual meetings, and health practices. As educators adapt to these changes, there is potential for a better learning environment that accommodates diverse student needs. By embracing these insights, we can enhance education for future generations.