By Caroline Polian

   As the first half of the 2020-2021 school year comes to an end, high schoolers will have to make an important decision about whether to return as a brick-and-mortar student or as a distance learner. The majority of students started off the year by going to school in-person, but Ponte Vedra High School looks different this year due to Covid restrictions. With hundreds of students having experienced distance learning through being quarantined, will the number of distance learners increase after break?

   A common challenge for online students is the lack of connection with their teachers. Sophomore Ellie Pinnar, who was a distance learner during the first semester, will be coming back to school as a brick-and-mortar student for the second semester.

  “I am going back to school after the break because it is getting too hard for me as a distance learner. Being in school, I felt more connected to my teachers. As a distance learner, I feel as though teachers don’t feel obligated to make sure I learn or have a good understanding of the material,” Pinnar says.

   Soraya Etique agrees with Pinnar, but believes that distance learning is currently the best way to stay healthy. 

   “I prefer learning in class, as I feel like the teachers pay more attention that way. But right now, I think the best choice is distance learning, as it is safer,” Etique adds.

   One of the biggest drawbacks of distance learning is not being able to socialize with friends. In class, classmates can interact, but at home, students are just staring at a computer all day. Lily Darnell, a recently quarantined student, finds that distance learning and being a brick-and-mortar student very different.

   “I like doing distance learning, but it feels really different to me than regular school. I like being able to work on my own schedule, but I miss seeing everyone,” Darnell says.

   Pinnar, Etique, and Darnell believe that after break, most students will return to school in-person. Darnell doesn’t see herself doing it for any longer than what is required for quarantine, and Pinnar finds that it is becoming too hard to remain a distance learner. Etique thinks that with such a high number of students getting quarantined, that some people will decide it is best to stay at home, especially right after the break.