COVID-19 pandemic and Online Learning Create Challenges for Students

During the current COVID-19 pandemic, students were forced to move to online learning in remote locations. For some students, especially college students, it seems to be tolerable since they have their own computers. Online learning, however, has caused students to become lazier and not as driven as they were during normal times. Most college students are used to doing the majority of the school work online, however, students in high school, middle school, and lower school predominantly use pen and paper for their assignments. In Ohio, students that are instructed to go online, are unable to comply with schools wishes, due to the lack of internet access. While at school, all students in Ohio have access to computers and internet access. However, when they are at home, it becomes a differetn situation. Many low-income families are not able to afford personal laptops, or daily internet access for themselves. Columbus City Schools gave out 16,000 Chrome Books and connected 500-plus wifi hotspots. They even boosted the wifi and libraries and schools that families were able to sit in parking lots and use the internet.

But also, students are not only missing assignments, but they are missing all of school in general. Students have been unable to access their virtual classes because of their lack of internet. Students in southern states and rural communities, as well as Black, Latino and Native American households represent the majority of the individuals withouth high-speed internet. Advocates for Education say that Congress could create a solution to help schools and libraries get stronger internet service. The relief package that was issued by President Trump, provides no relief or help to K-12 public schools.

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