Resuming School Face-to-Face, Sense or Nonsense?

Resuming School Face-Face, Sense or Nonsense?
By: Natalia Downer

Hey, Owls and Owlets! As I am sure you are aware, the Ministry of Education is hoping to resume face-to-face classes for high school students by mid-October. There has been an ongoing debate among the citizens of Jamaica regarding whether or not this is a good idea.
As students ourselves, it is important for us to get in on the discussion, because we are the next generation of leaders and working members of society. With that being said, an interview was held with two UWI students, a male (Owl) and female (Owlet) from the faculty of Humanities & Education, who have kindly shared whether or not they believe it is a good idea for schools to accommodate face-to-face learning at this point in time. Would you, as university students, like to resume face-to-face learning also? Read on below to see the opinions of your peers.

Let’s join in on the conversation:

Q: Kindly state your major and year of study.
Owl: I’m in 2nd year and I’m majoring in Film studies with film production fundamentals.
Owlet: I major in Literatures in English and I’m in my 4th year.

Q: Which do you prefer, online or face-to-face? Tell us why.
Owl: With online school I’m more flexible as I’m able to work and attend school. Additionally, it is more cost-effective as I no longer need to spend on transportation to go to campus for classes.
Owlet: I prefer face-to-face because classes were more interactive and less distracting.

Q (a): In your opinion, what are the benefits and disadvantages of remaining online for school.
Owl: Some benefits are that it is more cost-efficient, I am able to focus more and absorb more knowledge, and class recordings also help me in that I can go over what was taught to understand it better. I can’t think of any disadvantages at this time.
Owlet: An advantage is that we have more time to do most exams. However, some disadvantages are the possibility of being disconnected mid-class and having a noisy home. Having the light go out during important classes is also a major disadvantage.

Q (b): What about face-to face?
Owl: Once again, I have to bring up the cost of transportation as a disadvantage.
Owlet: A disadvantage, to me, would be the risk of catching Covid-19. Some advantages would be a more fleshed out learning semester, possibly better grades, and we’re most likely to do assignments, in my opinion.

Q: With new Covid-19 variants arising, would you feel safer attending classes online or face to face?
Owl: I’d prefer online. With little knowledge about the virus’ capabilities and the means by which it spreads, it is a great risk.
Owlet: I would honestly feel safer online.

Q: What is your take on the Ministry of Education’s plan to resume face-to-face school in October?
Owl: It’s a risk as the virus doesn’t show any signs of dying down even with the vaccines being established.
Owlet: Well, I’ve invigilated CSEC exams, so I know it can be done. but I feel like with the numbers rising, it’s just not the right time.

Q: How wise is this decision in your opinion?
Owl: It’s 50/50 for me because, with this decision, there is a chance to strengthen the younger generation as they’re more in need of physical interaction.
Owlet: It’s not so wise given the current climate of things.

Q: When do you think would be a good time for face-to-face school to resume?
Owl: Next year February. By that time, I’d hope enough of the vaccines would have been administered to the public, and also the health sector would have enough knowledge of the new covid variants to give the necessary precautions to avoid catching the virus.
Owlet: I’d say possibly January. They should assess the situation before making such a big decision.

Q: What suggestions do you have to foster a safer return to physical school?
Owl: I would suggest keeping Covid-19 protocols in effect, such as still practicing social distancing and the continuous sanitization of surfaces.
Owlet: My suggestion would be to wait until more people are vaccinated and prioritize the vaccination of students.

Q: What would be your advice to the Ministry of Health concerning their attempt to reopen physical school?
Owl: Rule out the pros and cons. For example, is it a risk that will pay off in the long run and, if not, is the country prepared to face the consequences?
Owlet: I would have to echo what I said before where they should wait until more people are vaccinated and prioritize the vaccination of students.

Thank you for your responses!
Never fear getting in on discussions concerning the future of your country. As Jamaica’s next generation, it is our opinion that really matters, and our voices can help to evoke meaningful change for the betterment of the country. Make sure to join our mailing list and check in next month to see the next thought-provoking topic!