Remote learning was introduced to many students and teachers due to the pandemic, but engaging with it is difficult.

According to Understood, kids have a harder time focusing on tasks they’re not interested in; they need the motivation to stay on task with classes in order to not walk away. And, when kids feel hungry, sleepy, or stressed, it’s even harder to focus on things they’re less interested in.  Students need enough sleep, courage, and a lot of motivation to be on task with classes. According to eLearning Industry “lack of reliable internet connection, access to smart devices and the absence of proper learning environment could all lead to students struggling to cope with remote learning.” But, there are ways that students can cope with this remote learning even if it’s new. According to eLearning Industry “the only ways to manage classes and motivate oneself is by staying organized.” Being organized can be a way to help students with online learning. According to eLearning Industry, “most research on remote learning shows in-person courses are, on average, more effective” going to school in person is more beneficial than remote learning. In a random survey of 53 Morton students, 33 students reported that students are on task with school/classes.  On the other hand, 20 students answered that students are not staying on task on instead they are walking away.

“During remote learning, our attendance has been down.  This year, the average daily attendance, for August/September was 83.77% for East and 88.23% for Freshman Center.  In comparison to last year, it was 88.90% for East and 94.00% for FC.  This represents a decrease of 5.13% for East and 5.77% for FC,” Dr. Michael Parrie said.

Attendance and grades have decreased ever since the school went remote learning.

“Regarding grades, we define success as students earning an A, B, or C.  This year during the 9-week grade report deadline, East students had an ABC success rate of 67.8%, while last year’s rate was 78.6%.  This represents a decrease of 10.8% for East.  Freshman Center students had an ABC success rate of 71.6% this year, while last year was 82.6%.  This represents a decrease of 11% for FC. This gives a clear picture of the reality of remote versus face-to-face learning,” Dr. Michael Parrie said.

Students are not as focused as they would be in-person learning.

“I believe students are not staying on task because there is no actual motivation to stay on task,” senior student Ivett Meraz said.

Some students sure are having difficulties with this remote learning.