The outbreak of COVID-19 has now affected 56 countries and territories around the world. This has also forced schools around China to remain closed until further notice, with classes scattered around the globe, and students stuck in different time zones and environments.
To make up for the closure of schools, many of them have adopted an e-learning system, where students and teachers conduct live lessons through video conferences. Over the past few weeks, students and teachers alike have been trying to figure out the knacks of this whole e-learning system, and to settle down wherever they are in the world.
So, to find out more about how lessons are going for students, I asked a few of my peers from the Yew Chung International School Beijing (YCIS Beijing).
When asked about her e-learning experience, Year 9 student, Sofia D. said, “I am currently enjoying Chinese, art, and science. I think the most challenging class is PE and drama classes. PE is very hard for me because we need to exercise from home, and a lot of us are in uncomfortable places to be exercising.”
“Classes I am enjoying are math and G100, they both make learning great fun and give you a chance to step away from your devices,” says Emil D., Year 7, when asked which classes he has been enjoying. ”But without actually seeing a teacher, it’s very hard, especially when you’re stuck on a task.”
Emil D. is currently in Germany, seven hours behind local Beijing time. “I don’t really like being seven hours behind local time, just because I can’t attend live lessons. Being able to attend live lessons would make it easier since you have a teacher to ask questions.”
Working from South Korea, which is one hour ahead of local time, Subin C., Year 7, had a similar take. “I had some challenges when I started e-learning because of the time difference, but eventually I got used to it.”
Although the use of e-learning has helped students stay up to date with their learning, it often involves looking at the computer for long periods of time. This can lead to negative effects on students’ health in the long run.
Bryan C., Year 7, is one such student who has experienced these negative effects. “I feel tired every day because I’m staring too long at the computer, and my appetite has gone down recently as well.” As Bryan C. is currently in Beijing, it means very little time outside, and ultimately being confined within the house.
As the number of COVID-19 cases increase worldwide, it is still unclear when schools can reopen. What’s more, the virus is aggressively urging more and more schools around the world to close for the safety of the students. As it seems for now, we may still be using the e-learning system for a while.
Gabriel Low is a year 7 student from Yew Chung International School Beijing (YCIS Beijing). Originally from Singapore, he has lived in Beijing since 2015. He enjoys playing football, watching movies, and listening to music. He is currently contributing to beijingkids as a student correspondent.
Photos: Emma Matthews Digital Content Production via Unsplash, Gabriel Low
