During such an uncertain time, we as members of the Providence student body are appreciative of the effort our school has put in to achieve a successful learning environment at home. Accomodating for our safety through an online school alternative, shows how much each student’s safety is valued. Although, the current approach could be revised to improve our wellbeing. Trying to manipulate a normal school schedule in a time that is not normal, is not sustainable when considering the many factors students must balance on the daily. While there are plans through the district to eventually return in person, here are some recommendations in the meantime that could improve everyone’s remote learning experience. 

The original plan described in school board meetings this summer elaborated on synchronous and asynchronous learning periods. Through the past month students have experienced strain due to continuous screen time. Implementing asynchronous time into class, where students can continue to work on assignments, cameras off, would reduce homework time and decrease overall screen time. Decreasing in-class screen time would also encourage students to participate in club meetings, without contributing to the strain of looking at a screen for hours on end. 

There is value in zoom calls, in that during the beginning of class teachers can take attendance, establish the assignments, and highlight due dates. Although, allowing students to continue with their day working at their own pace in whatever environment at home creates a more sustainable digital environment. This way, the only reason to stay on zooms would be on test days - as this is an efficient way to monitor students. 

An increase in asynchronous time would also allow work time for our teachers, since they are working so hard to tackle what is the new normal. Recording one lecture, to be distributed for all classes, while remaining available for questions during independent work leaves more time for grading, planning, etc. 

In addition, students have a short amount of time to prepare lunch for themselves or other siblings, nevertheless properly eat before returning to the next class period. Along with the limited social experiences gathered in an online environment, a longer lunch period would allow students to communicate with one another personally. 

The practice of digital learning is new to us all, and luckily over the past month we can describe recommendations that would in turn benefit our mental and physical health in this environment. Social- Emotional Learning highlights the importance of good mental health and time away from the screen but the  way school is operating currently contradicts that. Changing our learning environment for our mental benefit will only establish this point more as the Providence community works through this together.