How did the pandemic affect education?
In around mid-2020, schools and different school-like programs had to pause and close because of the amount of covid cases throughout the country. As a result, it has taken a toll on the children's health, education systems, development, income, and the overall economy. Online classes started to become an option to instruct students without any physical contact between teachers and other students. Schools thought this would be a temporary fix at that time but most of that year students had to learn online. Online classes can have their advantages like students are less shy to clear doubts and it helps save time and resources, but most complaints about online class is that it is too draining and doing it every day is tiring. The virus has also affected the social lives of most students and affected their mental health. A few weeks ago, schools in Vietnam and most countries started to reopen and there have been benefits like having students finish their studies, improving children’s well-being, both social and psychological, allowing parents to work. With benefits come with disadvantages such as more covid cases through the careless action's innocent children make.
Effects of COVID on Renaissance
Similarly, Renaissance closed and started an online learning program called: E-learning. The school started with online classes for 2 weeks and then it turned to 3 weeks and eventually it turned into 3 months of just online school. Here are some thoughts from students about e-learning “Interview about thoughts on e-learning.” Another part that covid affected is the IGCSE and IB program that our school offers to students of year 10 to 13. Both courses take at least 2 years to study and students from Renaissance had experienced the cancelation of their exams which failed their efforts and 2 years of studying. However, students’ have earned high scores with their predicted grades and handled the situation extremely well.
With the cases in the city rising day by day, the students and staff of Renaissance have adapted to the hybrid learning system where any teacher or classmate has the chance to teach or study online the next day. Although the system is getting more and more familiar, IGSCEs and IB students are finding the process difficult as exam season is approaching. A student from year 11 stated “It is very hard to communicate with a teacher teaching from online, especially when the IGCSEs are coming in a few months”. Renaissance also provides online learning for students who stay at home because of COVID-related reasons, however most students pointed out that they would always fall behind when coming back to school, teachers are trying their best to provide online materials as well as recordings of previous lessons so that students can revise whenever necessary.
How did covid affect other schools?
Students who were interviewed from different schools in Ho Chi Minh city stated that the same situation was happening in their schools. From CIS, AMIS, Dinh Thien Ly School, VAS and SSIS students have reported the “online school was an option for students who have COVID or choose to stay at home because of their worries” and even if their quality of study decreases, the option is less risky. In all schools of Ho Chi Minh, primary and secondary classes have all returned to school and trying to adapt to the new yet familiar school life that they had before the pandemic started. Some students stated, “school was exhausting” and some got back to their lives quickly. Exams are coming for all students in the city, we wish them all the best of luck!
A list of things you need to do as a student and a citizen:
It is natural to feel sad, frightened, perplexed, terrified, or furious in this scenario. Know that you are not alone, and speak with someone you trust, such as a parent or teacher, to help keep yourself and your school safe and healthy.
Inquire, educate yourself, and obtain information from credible resources.
Safeguard yourself and others:
Wash your hands often, always for at least 20 seconds with soap and water.
Keep your hands away from your face, eyes, nose, and mouth.
Share no cups, dining utensils, food, or beverages with others.
Be a health advocate for yourself, your school, your family, and your community.
Share what you've learned about illness prevention with your family and friends, especially younger children.
Be a health advocate for yourself, your school, your families, and your community.
Share what you've learned about illness prevention with your family and friends, especially younger children.
Teach excellent habits for younger family members, such as sneezing or coughing into your elbow and washing your hands.
Don't make fun of your classmates or criticize them about being sick; remember that the virus has no regard for geography, ethnicity, age, ability, or gender.
If you feel ill, notify your parents, another family member, or a caretaker and request you to stay at home.
Even when there are times when things get hard by keeping social distance and following these strict rules will keep you safe. If there is a possibility e-learning might start again make yourself busy and find a hobby that will keep you off your devices.
Tran Ngoc Boi Tu 9J