H2O Member | Wed Jul 15, 2020 | 05:08 PM | Likes: 2 

Remote Learning or Face-to-Face Learning for Fall 2020?

Categories: Education | Pubby Cash Received:  0 |

As progressive phases of reopening are underway in many places, returning to school becomes imminent for faculty and students. I'm applauding for the decision that the Cumberland Valley School District (CVSD) offers a virtual academy option that allows caring parents not sending their kids back to school in the whole 2020-2021 school year or during a specific phase of the school year. Without knowing what is going to happen after winter, I signed up for the virtual academy only for the first phase for now. Depending on whether the vaccine for COVID-19 is ready at that time, the next phase of decision to continue virtual academy or not will be made. In contrast to the wise decision made by the CVSD, Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP) did not make favorable decisions in the views of most faculty, as the University insists on reopening with a so-called "hybrid" teaching mode with no opt-out option for faculty so that the health of faculty will be at risk. According to a survey to 3,178 faculty of the 14 universities in the State System, more than 60% are very concerned about contacting COVID-19 or potentially exposing their family to it. More than 90% believed students will not appropriately social distance in residence halls or in other social settings. More than 70% do not feel safe teaching or interacting with students face-to-face in the fall. And only 12.5% want to return to in-person teaching. Of course, my preference goes with the majority of people. If that decision does not change, I would be not returning home but staying in a rental apartment at IUP to self-quarantine for an entire semester!