The Saddening Silence of Virtual Learning

By: Mia Sitts

May 17, 2021

Due to COVID-19, more students than ever are learning from home. They are getting used to joining class on their Chromebook while laying in bed or doing whatever they please.

How is this freedom affecting their behavior?

Silence. That’s what most teachers receive when they ask their students a question, such as, “How is everyone doing today?”. Where’s the common courtesy? If you were trying to make conversation with a friend and they just walked away from you while you were talking, is that not rude?

If students were in person at school, learning in the same room as their teacher, they would say “Hello” and “Have a good day”. But virtual learning is changing the manners of students. So many students genuinely just do not care about what the teachers are saying or teaching. They are just there for the attendance and that’s all.

Due to COVID-19, technology use has increased tremendously. However, not all teachers are familiar with the tips and tricks of the google platforms (slides, docs, meets, drive) and are used to giving out assignments on paper. Providing student feedback is the bare minimum of what we can do to help.

Teachers ask questions to ensure that their students are comprehending the material. If nobody responds, the teacher is going to question their teaching methods and the student’s comprehension.

Teachers prepare students for college and for the years to come, but with no feedback, how do they know that they are succeeding in their job?

Granted, some students may not be confident or comfortable enough to unmute their microphone and talk. However, they can always type a response in the chart bar.

Many teachers start teaching for the students. Students ease the stress of teaching and are the main reasons why teachers enjoy teaching. Without student interaction, it’s like the teachers are dealing with a “loss of identity”.

It’s bad enough that teachers cannot truly engage with their students inside the classroom, but to know that they are not even trying to engage back can be unsettling.

Some teachers haven’t even seen their students' faces because they are unwilling to reveal their face via Google Meet. It’s like talking to a wall.

However, there are ways to change this. At the end of the first semester of my senior year, I wrote an email to two of my teachers that I felt really cared and tried to engage their students during the pandemic.

“YOU MADE MY DAY. THANK YOU SO MUCH for your kind words,” replied my journalism teacher, Ms. Meglino.

Little things like praising teachers for their effort, responding to their questions during class and giving them feedback can make them feel more satisfied with their teaching.

Ultimately, adjustments have been forced upon everyone, but most teachers are making every effort to make learning during a pandemic a smooth and easy process for students.

With all the new changes arising, it does not hurt to greet, respond, and acknowledge those around us. Having open communication with teachers and participating in class discussions will make the class easier and less stressful for teachers and students.