Graphic by Dina Kats
Maya Kim
Opinions Editor
When you consider the new changes to learning at Newton South, the most glaringly obvious difference is the fact that classes are now entirely online. As everyone is well-aware, the shift to online learning is considerably different and unprecedented. However, many other major differences to the learning structure have been implemented this year.
Another huge topic of discussion among South students has been the new length of classes. Instead of the previous 55 minute classes, the average zoom class now lasts 90 minutes. Even with the five minute break that most teachers permit, classes are still an extra 30 minutes.
I believe that this extra time makes the classes more difficult for both students and teachers. I have had multiple occasions in which my teachers expressed that they struggled to come up with enough content to last the entire class. From the perspective of a student, it can feel as though certain activities are simply to pass time. Many other South students have issues with certain aspects of the new system.
Senior Felix Song pointed out, “If I learn about a topic on Monday, we won’t review it until Wednesday, and even then, it is shortened to the point where we just skim the problems rather than fully understanding. So in truth, we only get two days a week to go deep into a subject.” The longer breaks in the week between classes can definitely make it difficult to retain and fully comprehend material.
Another common view that students share is how difficult it is to concentrate for long periods. “Nobody can sit and listen for that long without spacing out for a while, so it’s very easy to miss important information…especially when I am in my room with so many distractions,” voiced Junior Liv Giglio-Dirga. School and home are very different places in most student’s minds, which is why staying attentive can be far more difficult than it would normally be.
Despite the valid concerns regarding the frequency and length of classes, some benefits have arisen as well. “Personally, I like having longer classes because they normally do more work during the class and give less homework. I’m normally really busy […] so having less homework would be beneficial,” claimed Song.
During multiple classes, my teachers have given us the extra class time to work on an assignment that would have otherwise been homework. This system has definitely given me more time outside of class to relax, and I find it easier to get work done in class since I am already in the right mindset to be productive.
According to Diglio-Girga, a perk is that, “there is a lot of time to ask questions about material and get work done.” The pace of learning has inevitably slowed down since it has moved online, which also means that teachers are more available to give individual help.
While the 90 minute periods are definitely not my favorite alteration of virtual learning, many teachers have been making an effort to give breaks longer than the five minute requirement. Others are planning diverse and unique lessons and methods in order to keep students engaged. These gestures are appreciated by South students, as we all continue to navigate this new way of learning.
