Q&A with Ms. Owens: Her perspectives on E-Learning and school rules

By Jahmarcus W.

I had the opportunity to interview Ms. Owens to gain her perspective on recent changes to e-learning and school rules. She shared her thoughts on accountability, technology challenges, attendance, and other aspects of the school experience.

Me: I came here to ask a few questions.

Ms. Owens: All right. Good morning, Jahmarcus. Go ahead.

Me: How do you feel about the changes to e-learning this year?

Ms. Owens: I think the changes hold both students and teachers more accountable for their learning on e-learning days.

Me: Why do you think some students might find this change pointless?

Ms. Owens: Students who are going to participate will, and those who weren’t going to participate before still won’t. Good students will attend, and students who don’t care won’t—so, in a way, it doesn’t change much.

Me: What challenges might students with limited technology or internet access face under these new rules?

Ms. Owens: The biggest obstacle is completing the assignments. Without access to technology, students can’t complete their work. However, there is a clause that allows students to complete assignments when they return to school, which helps address this issue.

Me: If you could redesign a rule you’re not a fan of, what would it be and how would you change it?

Ms. Owens: I would change the attendance rule. I don’t believe attendance should be mandatory if students can complete their work and pass the class. Some students can miss days and still get the work done, while others can’t afford to miss a single day.

Me: How do you think teachers are adapting to these changes compared to students?

Ms. Owens: Some teachers struggle with students having access to artificial intelligence, while others embrace the technology and teach students to use it ethically. It varies across the staff.

Me: If you could make one actual change to the school, what would it be?

Ms. Owens: I would eliminate NEST time and incorporate that time back into classes. While NEST is relaxing for students, it was originally meant for instructional remediation or expansion, and most teachers aren’t using it for that purpose.

Me: Thank you for your time and insight.

Ms. Owens: You’re welcome.

The interview with Ms. Owens provided valuable insight into the challenges and benefits of e-learning and school rules. Her perspective emphasizes accountability, fairness, and the importance of using instructional time effectively. She also highlighted how technology is reshaping the classroom and the need for flexibility in policies like attendance and NEST. Overall, Ms. Owens’ thoughtful responses underscore her commitment to student success and practical solutions for improving the school experience.