Students share mixed views as 500 schools return to face-to-face learning
/ Our Today
administrator
With more than 500 schools islandwide reopening their gates to resume face-to-face classes for students who will be sitting upcoming examinations, youngsters today (May 10) gave mixed views on how they had been able to cope while doing online classes.
Educational institutions were ordered closed on March 21 due to a surge in the number of new coronavirus (COVID-19) cases in the island.
At Dunoon Park Technical High School, grade-11 student Shaemoy Willis, said she was “really excited” to return to face-to-face learning.
“At home, I had Internet problems; it’s either slow or it goes away often. I prefer physical classes because it’s more interesting,” Willis said during a visit to the school by Fayval Williams, minister of education, youth and information.
“I don’t have an issue with the online classes. The students are muted when they’re not asking a question or contributing to discussions, so you don’t have the interruptions.”
Mikhail Bygrave, student of Dunoon Park Technical High School
At the same time, Mikhail Bygrave, who is also in grade 11, said he was happy to be back in the physical school environment, but that he preferred online classes.
“I don’t have an issue with the online classes. The students are muted when they’re not asking a question or contributing to discussions, so you don’t have the interruptions,” he said.
Bygrave said he felt “very prepared” for the upcoming Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) exams.
Williams, who was observing proceedings at the school, said more institutions were expected to reopen during this week.
She said the necessary protocols were in place to ensure the safety of students and teachers.
“It would not have been the first time that the students would be back in the physical environment. Through the Ministry of Health and Wellness, we’ve done the physical inspections to make sure the signs are there, the wash stations, and so forth,” the minister assured.
EDUCATION MINISTER TOURS CLASSES, ADVISES STUDENTS
During the visit to Dunoon, Williams toured classes and spoke with students about the importance of safeguarding themselves against the virus.
Shawn Aarons, principal of Dunoon, said about 90 students were expected to return to school for face-to-face learning today.
He noted that online classes were continuing and that the school was also reaching out to students who have not logged on for classes.
“What we try to do is to take the printed material to the homes of those students,” Aarons said.
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