Minnesota students speak out about distance learning

ST. PAUL, Minn. (KEYC) - After nearly a year of modified instruction in many school districts across the state, some Minnesota students are not giving distance learning high marks.

More than a half-dozen students representing various communities shared their frustrations over the learning model during the House Education Finance Committee’s first meeting of the session. They all agreed the impacts of distance learning have increased workloads, isolation, and lack of motivation. They say the online model has also highlighted inequities in accessing technology, especially among students representing greater Minnesota.

“As I observed the needs of my peers as I went from class to class I was astounded by the number of students that did not have adequate technology or resources to complete simple course work at home. I quickly came to the realization that this inaccessibility not only posed a threat to distance learning but even the standard in-person learning model that we were used to prior it posed challenges to students without that technology or broadband connection at home,”

Students did say many teachers have been more accommodating. Additionally, the alternative learning model did offer more flexibility, and there was some support for a hybrid model.

Copyright 2021 KEYC. All rights reserved.