MEASLES OUTBREAK: SHS student reports on trials of Virtual Learning

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — I am a Junior (10th grader) student at Samoana High School experiencing virtual learning during this measles outbreak. This is my second year doing virtual learning, my first year was during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

My first experience doing virtual learning was stressful for me. I wasn’t used to doing virtual learning especially in paying attention during class through a screen and having to turn on my camera. It was very awkward for me because it was difficult to interact through a screen. It became harder and my assignments were building up more during the lockdown. It also prevented me from hanging out with my friends because of so many restrictions.

Having to do virtual learning the second time is not exactly fun for myself again.

I prefer going to school in person because it is easier when I am in class rather than home where there are distractions. At school there is enough energy for me to go throughout the day to do work rather than home where I would get tired and would sometimes forget to join the google meet. When I’m at home, I get easily tired and have to force myself to keep going throughout the day. My mind would just get tired and I became physically drained just by having to do my assignments on google classroom and staying home all day.

I miss the school activities that were planned before this measles outbreak.

However, I feel like the virtual learning can be helpful when diseases reach our island. This has proven for technology to be useful at times like this. Google Classroom has given an opportunity to both students and teachers to still be in school. In a crisis like this, we are prepared to continue school or work through technology.

Although for other students, it’s rather hard to do virtual learning because of the lack of resources such as Wi-Fi and a laptop. Other students have their own opinions and experiences on virtual learning.

Some of the students are happy with the virtual learning because of time management and teachers being able to attend classes. They find it simpler to stay home and do their work.

However, other students disagree with it. They would much rather prefer to be around their friends and the environment.

I asked some of my peers about their experiences with virtual learning and their opinions. Some asked to remain anonymous while a few are allowing their names to be used.

 I also asked a few teachers about their feelings and opinions on virtual learning. Two teachers, who are both advisors to clubs, expressed their thoughts on virtual learning and what the challenges were they had to overcome.

I hope that my documenting this experience will be helpful so that our Educators and Government leaders can get a first-hand report on virtual learning.

The following are the responses to my questions:

STUDENTS

DAVID FAUMUINA, 11TH GRADER (JUNIOR)

“I don’t like it. It’s unnecessary but even though it’s understandable that there’s an outbreak, the years are already almost over for everyone so why not just let everyone finish their year.

“I prefer face to face learning because of the environment. The feeling of people around you is more encouraging to do schoolwork than sitting at home by yourself.

“It is my second year doing virtual learning. The first one was very difficult since it was a new feeling. Now it’s easier to get used to and more convenient now that I have more experience compared to the first one.”

JONEL AH-SUE, 11TH GRADER (JUNIOR)

“For me personally it was a huge hassle. Going to school was much better since school is an environment that gives off a ‘work’ atmosphere.

“Even for my homework, I try my best to do it at school, because school is the only place where my mind will focus on ‘school work’. So since google classroom makes you do work at home, it is hard for me to focus. Especially with all the noises, chores, and comfortability of the place I’m working in. If I’m too comfortable, I have nothing else to think of but sleep and eat, maybe an occasional chore here and there.

“When I’m working from home, I can’t focus at all on what the teacher is saying, let alone work on the assignment given to me.

“Google classroom is especially hard when it comes to class conversations. It is so awkward to talk to the teacher through the laptop. It is an unexplainable feeling but nonetheless, to sum it up, google classroom isn’t for home. School work isn’t for home, it is for school.”

NICHOLLE SUALEVAI, 11TH GRADER (JUNIOR)

“It's my third time doing virtual learning and personally I find it a lot easier than how it was the last couple of years. Especially compared from last year when we had to cram all 6 periods in one day. It was very overwhelming and I was very stressed out.

“However, this time around, I think it is a lot more reasonable and I actually now enjoy virtual learning a lot more than in person. That is because it holds teachers more accountable to showing up to class compared to in person when some wouldn’t even show up to class.”

SULUETI BARO, 11TH GRADER (JUNIOR)

“Other students enjoy the flexibility and convenience of learning from home, while others find it challenging.

“Virtual learning is not my thing, most of the time we struggle with technical issues, such as poor internet. How I feel about virtual learning will depend on my own personal preferences and experience. I prefer face to face.

You’ll be able to concentrate harder on your learning because there’ll be less distractions than if you were at home. You may feel more comfortable and learn more easily in a familiar, traditional classroom.

“Yes, it is my second year of virtual learning. I honestly thought doing online classes would be fun and easy to learn, but I was wrong. Teachers stacked too much work online, obviously too much for our minds to handle.”

JAHRUS TUSIPA ANOA’I, 10TH GRADER (SOPHOMORE)

“I was upset when I found out that the school would be closed because of the measles. I find it challenging to handle this online learning material. I would rather attend a school where learning new things from all of my topics is made easier for us students (primarily myself, because I can’t speak for everyone).

“Sometimes it can be difficult to submit our homework online because of issues with the internet connection or not knowing how to sign up for the online programs.

“Due to morning chores, the majority of students are unable to finish their assignments.

“There are students who attend school to express their genuine self and students who attend school to make their families proud.

“For a student, having to manage morning duties and schoolwork at the same time is challenging enough.

“Now a sophomore, I can say that last year was the best since I met new people, learned new things, made my family proud, felt needed, etc.. It was fun until the shutdown first occurred due to covid. It was a complete letdown for me and the majority of the classmates, but I praise God that I was able to persevere.

“I sincerely hope that neither my junior or senior years experience something similar.”

IMANUELI DAVETAWALU, 10TH GRADER (SOPHOMORE)

“In my opinion, virtual learning has created some challenges for students. To me, virtual learning has made it difficult for students, in relation to topics such as: lack of social interaction, motivation, technological issues, the need for self-discipline, and time management. Therefore, to me, virtual learning has disabled students from acquiring individual attention and support.

“Overall, yes it has been a useful tool for a moment such as this. But it also has its drawbacks and challenges.

“I definitely would prefer to have education in person. Why? Well, as explained earlier, virtual learning has made it difficult for students to enhance their abilities, in many ways. As for me, I have been struggling with having to find the time to complete all my assignments, and having time to show up to class.

“And, with the results of staying home, students like me are limited to the resources needed for learning. Therefore, I know that having education in person would have much more of a better outcome for the betterment of our student’s education.

“This is actually my second year experiencing virtual learning. During my first year, it was really difficult knowing that I did not have any experience. And because of that my grades were at a stage it should not have been at.

“Virtual learning has made it impossible for me to be mentally unstable. Although there was a better way for our government to deal with the problem at hand, virtual learning would have probably found its way to society.”

ADVISORS

MRS. COLLINS (ENGLISH TEACHER, NEHS ADVISOR)

 “Virtual learning is nice because I can use web tools and teach my students how to use them. I believe that 21st century technology skills are an absolute necessity. It’s easier to tend to smaller classes and the quality of their work improves because of the direct attention.

“Even though it is easier to work with a smaller group, I still prefer face-to-face. It is easy to multitask and get distracted with other siblings at home who are also trying to zoom. It’s sometimes hard for me to tend to my students online and to my young daughters at the same time. By the end of virtual learning day, I’m beyond exhausted.

“I know online school is not easy for everyone, but we’ve gotten through it before, we’ll get through it again together.

ANONYMOUS ADVISOR

“I feel somewhat good about it. I get to learn how to use a laptop and Google classroom yes but due to some issues I know a few students have, it’s not as enjoyable. I prefer in person learning. Why? Because I’m able to focus better and learn in class than in virtual where in most cases, I pull out my phone like a few other students do because it's boring and draining, not as active as it is if it were in person. And also people tend to not show up virtual.

“Not my first year doing virtual, but I don’t have much experience since we were given small packages to use when virtual wasn’t called for. During my first year of virtual learning, I didn’t find it much exciting to work in. It is boring and there is not much to do.”

STUDENTS  WHO WISH TO REMAIN ANONYMOUS

#1:    “I feel pretty good about virtual learning. I think I’m leaning towards virtual cause honestly I feel a lot more productive getting an extra hour of sleep. Also, because online classes end early and I get to relax a little bit longer rather than rush over to the next one in 5 minutes.

“It is my second year doing virtual learning, though circumstances were different and it was pretty bad my first year, like I failed one class because I hadn’t turned anything in. Though with new knowledge, I’m utilizing my time way better than I did last year.”

#2:    “Virtual learning sucks!! I get exhausted looking at the screen the whole day. I prefer in person because it’s better to understand things in a certain way than to do with virtual… and it’s easier to get work done in class than online/ virtual.

It's my second year doing virtual learning… Long story short, I basically failed English on my first experience. So no, I’d prefer to be in class.”

#3:    “I feel unmotivated and I lowkey, hate it but I prefer it more than in real life school. I prefer virtual because it gives me more time to get a lot more things done. And it my fourth year doing virtual learning. The first year I was just really confused because I never had it go through until that time.”

#4:    “In all honesty, virtual learning has its ups and downs. For me it’s an incredible opportunity since I don’t have to physically attend school.

“For most people they’d want to go back to in person learning since they find it difficult and frustrating online. As someone who has social anxiety and a bit of dislike when it comes to socializing, virtual learning was a win for me. I was quite happy upon hearing us going back virtual. Though that would mean I would miss out on school activities and club workshops, but to be honest that’s fine.

“What I would miss though is the memories I’d make in school (in person).

“A con I’d add on is the work teachers would give us online. The assignments they provide online are a huge difference compared to what we do in person. But I think I’ll get through it. I’m unsure about other students, but with my capability I’m sure I’ll be fine.

“This is my third year of virtual learning. The first time I did it was during 8th grade when covid first came to our island. My first experience wasn’t really something I’d like to remember. It was hectic and a lot of miscommunication and poor teaching. That’s just from my school back then, I’m pretty sure it’d be different with different schools.”

#5:    “I feel virtual learning is good but not so good at the same time. Because I have experience and have seen what this virtual learning is and how us students use it. I prefer face to face learning because I get to sit in my seat together with our whole class and discuss our lesson without distractions. The teacher gets to write on the board the questions, examples, and we get to work together by solving it together in class.

“Yes, this is my second year and these are the reasons why virtual learning isn’t helpful. When we have discussions, kids get so distracted by chores, responsibilities, and yes wouldn’t be able to focus during class times.

“A lot of students have parents that are not around and not only it’s only them and their younger siblings, which from a perspective of being the eldest child with six siblings, most of my time is on my siblings and what they need to do and classes that they have. So I would prefer face to face learning, it would be safe and secure not only educational wise and the environment.”

#6:    “Honestly, virtual learning is just not for me. This is actually my second year of virtual learning. My first year was last year, but I was in elementary. My experience on virtual learning isn’t that good. Sometimes, we don’t have class because the teacher has ‘errands’ to run. We wouldn’t even be able to talk to our friends.

“I know that school is draining, but sitting home and drowning in our own thoughts is more draining. I’ve seen kids who were straight A students slowly stopped going on zoom and stopped doing their assignments, so therefore, I would really prefer in person than virtual.”

#7:    “Easy way to communicate and respond with students instantly. Various applications to use when being creative with assignments accessible for both students and teachers. I prefer virtual learning because I can access it from anywhere.

“Students are creative with their assignments, learning new applications. There were challenges such as when students don’t show up for class, missing assignments, no internet, and some parents are not supportive.”