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What does a 'new normal' even look like?

Taking a closer look at challenges and opportunities of developing long-term distance learning strategies In higher education

By Earica (EP) ParrishPublished 3 years ago Updated 10 months ago 4 min read
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What does a 'new normal' even look like?
Photo by Charles Deluvio on Unsplash

The year 2020 was the year that students and educators underwent an unforeseeable change of daily routine. As the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) began to persist, universities had to take immediate action and issue stay-at-home orders for students, faculty, and staff to prevent the spread of the virus. For educators, this meant that they could no longer have face-to-face contact and interaction with students. For students, this meant having to relocate back to their respective hometowns and create a learning environment for them to finish out the remainder of their Spring semester. Hands-on learning and training had been transferred to an online, distance learning medium—a setup in which some educators and students were underprepared.

As we think about disruptive innovation, online learning can be considered a concept in which the education system has been working through on a much larger scale, especially in the age of a pandemic. Although it is not a new concept, COVID-19 has contributed greatly to the digital transformation of the education space, a lot quicker than educators and students were anticipating.

There’s been more discourse amongst policymakers, educators, and parents regarding the sustainability of the distance learning model and what the plan of action will be for the upcoming Fall semester for students, faculty, and staff at colleges and universities across the nation.

As online learning is becoming the new normal for some, it has also shown to be a challenge for those who may not have access to the internet or at-home technology. Online learning also presents itself as a learning curve for those who are used to the traditional school models, causing some students to feel less motivated and attentive as they once were in the classroom. When it comes to the distribution of resources, some schools face budget and funding challenges that could not only affect the workforce, but also hinder students and teachers to adapt to the distance learning model with the right technological equipment, mental health services, and even financial support to sustain themselves through the remainder of the year.

While the challenges are plenty, education-focused organizations are working hard to provide the resources and access needed for students, teachers, and parents to make the shift. According to the World Economic Forum, about 43% of education officers expressed a lack of confidence in reaching their fundraising goals for the upcoming school year due to the pandemic. However, many individuals and nonprofit organizations have been working to raise relief funding for students, help implement policies for scholarships and program funding through the government, and speak to higher education leaders on how they may be best supported during these uncertain times. Through these efforts, students and faculty will be able to overcome their learning and financial hurdles in order to maintain jobs, finish degrees, and attain the skills and knowledge to be equipped for flexibility in the ever-changing workforce.

Despite the challenges of online learning, there are some opportunities for students and faculty in this space. For one, online learning allows for more flexibility for both students and faculty. Students can study and complete assignments on their own terms, just as long as they meet their required deadlines. Additionally, taking classes online could be more cost-efficient for students as well. Students won’t have to worry about room and board, meal plans, and transportation to and from campus. This can help alleviate costs and the stress of having to meet everyday needs on campus, depending on the student’s home and family dynamic. A more long-term solution for students and faculty in the online learning space is to create an even more flexible work environment that accommodates both the personal and professional needs of students and faculty. Also, institutions should also consider reducing the price of tuition and class fees, that way they won’t lose their enrollment numbers and alleviate the financial burdens on students.

Educational organizations, undergraduate students, and educators will continue to see and feel the effects of online learning. Although it's been a challenge for some, this space has also lead to more innovative ideas on how students and teachers can maximize their time and energy in this space, even outside of school. Life even after the pandemic will continue to challenge traditional education institutions and organizations to think more creatively about how to best serve their students, faculty, and staff for years to come.

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I am a creative multi-hyphenate with a strong passion for the arts. To check out more of my journey and the different art exhibits and events I go to in real-time, follow me on Instagram at @erparrish_

If you would like to read more of my poetry and prose, as well as see some of my visual photography all in one place follow me on Instagram at @wordsbyep_

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About the Creator

Earica (EP) Parrish

Maneuvering through life with purpose and integrity, hoping to leave a meaningful impact on others✨

IG: @erparrish_ ⚡ www.erparrish.com

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