E-learning rules changed; students feel it’s too much

By Jahmarcus W.

So at the beginning of this new and great school year at Airport, the district made the decision for a new rule to change the way E-Learning has been for years in Lex 2 instead of basically having the day off and doing an assignment as they are able, students now have to attend virtual classes in accordance with what would be their daily schedule.  .

To say this change has been controversial would be an understatement this school year, and it seems like the general sentiment is that most students and teachers would prefer to be at school rather than do e-learning in accordance with the new guidelines.

E-Learning is now harder for those with limited tech or internet capabilities. Sure, it wasn’t perfect with the original system, which also required internet access, but the MAIN difference is that at least with the old way you could download files or pdf’s or at least make up the work when you get back to school cause they give you the grace period, but now if you can’t hop on the Google Meet during your class time, well that sucks for you.

Secondly, the new system could backfire during the very emergencies it’s meant to cover. If there’s a storm or blackout, even students who normally have internet access may be unable to join classes. The old system let students work offline until conditions improved. The new one? No backup plan has been explained by the district to this DATE.

Thirdly, beyond just logistics, there’s the mental toll. Live online classes add pressure for students who are already balancing schoolwork, jobs, and family responsibilities. Some worry that the added stress will hurt focus and motivation, instead of helping learning.

This shift comes on the heels of the statewide phone ban in schools, and some students feel the district is moving in a direction that’s too strict. “It feels like every new rule is about control, not helping us learn,” one junior said. Critics argue that the new E-Learning rules may set a precedent for a more rigid, less flexible school environment.

Lexington District Two serves around 8,800 students across multiple schools, all of whom would be affected by the new change to e-learning days.

E-learning days are relatively common.  South Carolina averages 50+ school closure days per decade due to weather events like hurricanes, flooding, or ice storms. This according to the South Carolina department of education.  

 E-learning days can take a toll on students, especially due to spotty internet. 

According to the Pew Research Center, about 15% of U.S. teens say they often struggle to complete schoolwork because of unreliable internet, and Studies from the American Psychological Association show that increased screen time and sudden schedule changes can raise stress levels for teens.

To read more  about the changes to e-learning and the protocols outlined by the state which govern how schools must run them, check out the handbook from the South Carolina Department of Education here.

For more information on the whole digital divide stopping students from doing their homework click here!

And for more information on the whole screentime and sudden changes in schedule for students click here and thanks for reading!