The landscape and community of classrooms have made a dramatic change since they have been closed. A change that affects a large population of students is the cancellation of food programs. Many students and parents rely on these programs to provide at least one healthy meal a day. Without this program there could be many students not being fed properly.
Demco Interiors (2019. Photo retrieved from https://www.demcointeriors.com/blog/flexible-classroom-ideas/)
Another one of the largest changes in landscape for the classroom is transitioning from the classroom setting to being homeschooled online. This shift could have negative effects on the children due to not being able to focus as well or get as much support from the teachers. It also makes it challenging for the parents as well, to begin to homeschool them when many have never homeschooled before. There may be some parents that are not able to homeschool, which could decrease a students learning space. Since classes are held online now, this can be detrimental to some children’s social and interpersonal learning and skills.
Photo Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Classroom
We can see how a child has been impacted in A Parent’s Thoughts, her child has been diagnosed with Selective Mutism. While he was in class he had more chances to connect with peers and his teacher. This led to advancements in him speaking with others. Since shifting to online, he has regressed and become less social. He is more likely to communicate with his parents and brother at this time. There are “variations in the overall level of local social well-being” (Knox & Pinch,73, 2010), and this is very prevalent in a classroom. Each students well-being is taken into consideration within a classroom setting, such as getting the help of an EA, or having other students step up to help out. The sense of community within the classroom begins to get lost online. Many teachers, such as Teacher B, have been creating a new built environment online with their elementary class. Knox and Pinch (203, 2010) state that “social meaning of the built environment is not static”. As shown in the photo to the left we can see that classrooms are set up in a way to engage interaction, create conversations and to have your peers close to build an environment around you.
Many activities and programs have been cancelled or moved to an online format, such as graduation and leaving ceremonies. These events are large milestones in a child’s life, and being recognized helps them learn and grow.
A Change In the Classroom Dynamic
One of the qualities that has been a great change in the classroom community is that students learning is going to be led by them, more so than a teacher. Since they are not in a typical classroom setting, they are getting a more dynamic and global education. We can use this shift in the classroom to help expand how we teach and how our students learn. We can begin to help the students hone other skills and help them prepare for the world after they are done school (Kayla Delzer, 2015).
Global News’s new segment “The New Reality” touched on how our school system has changed and what the future is going to look like going forward. They say “cafeterias are closed, lockers are out of use, [and] libraries are off limits” (2020), that majority of the classrooms are closed to help “cut down possible transmission” (2020). One of the people they interviewed said that “getting back into class has been a learning experience for everyone” (2020), with classes now being less than half of what they were previously could lead to a better learning environment. Many of these schools have taken precautions such as markings on the floor on what side to walk and stand and having dedicated doors as an “In” door and an “Out” door to help reduce transmission. A parent commented in the segment saying that “kids who come back now could be better prepared for September” (2020). Having children exposed to this new environment to become better acquainted could help them begin to learn better. One aspect that teachers and students are learning is how homework is being sent, they are no longer providing worksheets, but sending it home electronically. The principal that was interviewed made a great point at the end of the segment, he said “moving forward learning might never be the same, I think it will be better” (2020). Having out teachers adapt to this hybrid learning and new environment with less children in class could lead to them receiving a better education. Which will better their learning environment.
If you wish to watch the full video please watch it here.
