The walls, fences, grass and scenery that cover Huntington Beach High School (HBHS) makes what we know as an in-person school. It’s brick and mortar — a traditional, grounded, and safe way to attend school. However, in 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, an alternative method of schooling was introduced: online school.
Although online school isn’t exactly new, it wasn’t nearly as recognized as it was during the global pandemic of COVID-19. Now, many students opt for online school for a variety of different reasons, such as to pursue interests, dedicate more time to something particular, better fit their schedule, better suit learning capabilities, or even just out of pure will.
For some people — like Unity Rivera, a ninth grader at HBHS — online school doesn’t quite help when it comes to understanding the academic material. Rivera has tried online learning, but prefers in-person school. She noted that the choice between online and in-person depends on who someone is and what they prefer.
Rivera said, “I think in-person school could either bring up or down someone’s social behavior.”
In other words, in-person school might affect a student’s socializing skills either positively or negatively. She also mentioned how social encounters in your environment may be limited, depending on your schedule and school.
Ava Perreira, a freshman attending online school, also noted, “Online high school is completely isolating if the student does not have an active friend group outside of school. I have been fortunate to have lots of great friends through my dance studio.”
Perreira, on the topic of transferring, also said, “Switching has done wonders for my schedule and health, though, because I’m not running around constantly and missing sleep like I was before.”
Perreira, a former student of HBHS, prefers to be schooled online to better suit her schedule, dreams, and future.
The choice of either in-school or online learning is completely yours, and it’s best to weigh out what options are comfortable for you, whether it be your schedule, your future, or time and energy. Either way, whichever learning style fits you best will help you grow and understand your capabilities in life.
