Choosing Hybrid

JILLIAN WILLIAMS | OCT. 22, 2020 | OPINIONS

With changes from the coronavirus pandemic, students and staff at schools this year are venturing into unknown territory. Students and parents were given a choice over the summer: go back to school with a mix of brick and mortar schooling and online schooling through Microsoft Teams, or transition to completely online classes through Duval HomeRoom. I believe the better option of the two was Hybrid, now in-person schooling.

The default option for going back to school was Hybrid schooling. It entailed students going to school in-person two days a week, and attending online classes for the remainder of the week through Microsoft Teams. Then, as of Sept. 28, Hybrid students were able to return to school in person full time. Meanwhile, the Duval HomeRoom instructional program allows students to take their classes completely online. 

As a brick and mortar student, I believe it is the more beneficial of the two options. While Duval HomeRoom may seem like the obvious choice since it is better for students’ safety, it also has some setbacks. In this program, students are completing their classes individually from a screen, having little to no in-person interaction with their peers. This can have a detrimental effect on a teen’s mental health. Another hindrance of Duval HomeRoom is its dependence on technology functioning properly, which is not always the case.

Virtual classes also conflict with sports. In my experience, it is much more difficult to get to practice on time coming from my own home. I have had to leave my fourth period classes early during online schooling days, creating a conflict between my sport and my schooling.

Many chose Duval HomeRoom because of health concerns, as brick and mortar schools require more physical interaction. However, I have found the precautions in place are more than sufficient to limit the contraction of germs. From the dividers on desks, to the hallways being one-way, the district’s efforts are extensive. Despite Hybrid putting students in closer proximity, there is minimal risk to students’ safety, especially with these policies being practiced to an even higher degree now that students are back in school full time.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “in-person learning is in the best interest of students, when compared to virtual learning. Application and adherence to mitigation measures provided [by the CDC] and similar to those implemented at essential workplaces can help schools reopen and stay open safely for in-person learning.” It is important for students to be social and work alongside other students. With prolonged school closure, there is a higher chance of students suffering from isolation-induced anxiety or depression.

I believe hybrid is the better option overall because it allows students to continue socializing with their peers with ample safety precautions to compensate for any risks to students safety.