Oak Lawn Community High School students and staff received a somewhat extended winter break to begin second semester after having 3. e-learning days on 1/12, 1/15, and 1/16. The cause for these E-Learning days was due to bad weather and unsafe driving conditions.
E-Learning was introduced during the virtual learning year due to the COVID-19 pandemic as a way for students to still be able to receive education without having to leave their homes. E-Learning has continued to be used for days like these where it is not possible for students to be in attendance at school physically.
Students and staff members have various different opinions on E-Learning. Many individuals have come to enjoy E-Learning as it gives students a shortened school day, and allows them to not have to leave home in order to go to school. Others, on the other hand, would prefer to have the day off fully, and make up for the missed days at the end if the year.
“I felt like the e-learning experience went very smoothly. At this point I feel like the students and staff all know what to do, so there really aren’t any issues. I really appreciate not having to worry about driving to work in bad weather. I enjoy being able to work from home for a day”, said Math Teacher Adam Zwirkoski. “I think the current system works well and I absolutely prefer to have e-learning days then making them up. I think it’s great that we don’t have to add any days to our school calendar at the end of the year.”
During E-Learning days students follow an 8-12 schedule. With zero hour starting at 8:00 am, 30 minute classes follow with a 5 minute passing period in between. At 12 students end their E-Learning day with a lunch period and are free to complete their assignments, students can contact their teacher during this time if needed.
“I feel that e-learning is a good way to still have school, but keep people in their homes and safe at the same time. I enjoyed the flexibility and convenience that came along with online learning as well as the ability to wake up and open my iPad from the comfort of my home on a cold winter day”, said junior Bisan Aldeek. “One adjustment that I feel needs to be made is the time students are given in advance to prepare for an E-Learning day. It can be difficult and demanding for certain students since they do not have access to the tools necessary to participate in an e-learning day. I would rather have an online day than make them up at the end of the year. The last day of school is something everyone, including myself, looks forward to and having that be extended to make up days isn’t the best choice when we have access to tools such as e-learning.”
OLCHS may not be able to change the weather for students to go to school when it’s snowing outside, but E-Learning can still keep its students educated. E-Learning will continue to be used when necessary this year and the years that follow. So what do you think, will we have any more snow days this year?
