In the 2020-2021 school year, students spent almost half of the year learning through virtual classes. With the return of all students to the school this year, some students wish virtual classes were still an option.

“I get that virtual learning can be very hard for teachers and other faculty members, but some kids are at high risk as well as their families, and I think it’s unfair to them that they have to risk their health to get the education they deserve,” junior Dustin Baughman said. 

Students had reasons to stay virtual last year. Other than the health risks, some students enjoyed being home and the freedoms that came with online classes. 

“It’s more of a familiar space. Kids don’t have to worry about being judged by others or made fun of while being online. It’s just more comfortable for students to learn where they want,” Baughman said. 

While some students enjoyed the time they had in virtual classes, some students struggled online or couldn’t focus while in online classes. 

“Since you’re at home, it’s easy to get distracted. It’s also harder to focus when you can get on a video game or your phone,” Baughman said. “Also not seeing people for an entire year and not having the in person interaction really affected people’s mental health.” 

Students were pushed into virtual learning when the COVID-19 pandemic struck in 2019. Some students struggled in an online setting.

“Virtual destroyed studying habits, because we had no routine. We need a break between school and home, and without that break it just felt unending,” junior Alyssa Clark said. “There were also too many distractions, and it was way too easy for kids to cheat.”

Some students believe that there are positives and negatives to virtual learning. 

“I think irresponsible students could cause some problems, and cheating and distractions would still be an issue, but I think students, especially at-risk students, should have the option for virtual learning,” Baughman said. 

Some students believe in person should continue as the only choice and administrators should not return the option of virtual learning.

“Things should start trying to get back to normal, and virtual doesn’t make learning feel normal,” junior Abby Milliron said.

 Clark believes virtual learning should not be an option this year, and classes should stay in person. 

“I think virtual learning provides more of a hassle for teachers and students than it helps. Cyber is an option for students who don’t want to attend in person classes and if a student gets quarantined, they can get work from their teachers, or get recordings of class,” Clark said.