The World Health Organization (WHO) classified Covid-19 a pandemic on March 11, 2020. Three years later, on May 5, 2023, the WHO declared Covid-19 as no longer a global health emergency. While the pandemic lasted only 3 years, the effects on education have continued to linger: both positive and negative.
The pandemic brought a wide array of changes, the most notable one being the increased usage of online resources. AP Physics teacher Ian Spangenberg claimed the biggest challenge he faced was creating his website and making digital resources. “When we first started online learning, it took me a while to make all of my worksheets digital and record all the lectures. It was easily the hardest part of this shift in learning,” Spangenberg stated.
While teachers faced challenges because of the pandemic, many of the changes had a positive impact on education. “Adapting to online learning was definitely challenging, but I’m glad I did it. Now, my students have easy access to a variety of resources on my website,” Spangenberg said.
Students appreciate the increased resources available for work in-class and at home. “Many of my current students have said they love how much stuff is on my website. None of this would’ve happened if we never made the shift to online learning at one point. I am thankful that I put the effort in during the pandemic,” Spangenberg added.
However, the pandemic didn’t just affect teachers. For students, the return to in-person learning after months or even years of online classes posed significant challenges. Many students struggled to readjust to a structured school environment.
Students remember the overwhelming feeling when schools reopened. “After spending much time at home, it was hard to get back into the routine of school. I was so used to the flexibility of online learning, and suddenly we were expected to keep up with everything in person. It was like we forgot how to be students,” senior Henry Gannaway shared.
But as time passed, many students turned these struggles into experiences to grow. The pandemic taught students to be self-reliant and adaptable. Students found ways to become more organized and engaged in their learning. The return to in-person classes also emphasized the importance of collaboration in education. For many, this realization helped them thrive in the classroom.
Gannaway reflected on the journey. “At first I was falling behind and it felt like everything was too much. But as I kept pushing, I learned how to manage my time better and get help when I needed it. The pandemic made me realize how important it is to stay on top of things and be responsible for my own learning,” Gannaway said.
Ultimately, while the pandemic created unprecedented difficulties, it also helped shape a more resilient group of students. The new-found ability to adapt will be crucial in an ever-changing world. These experiences will extend beyond the classroom, preparing young adults to navigate future academic and professional challenges with confidence.
