Back to School fear – The Ministry has announced a blended approach that includes virtual and physical classrooms but as the number of COVID-19 cases increases, physical learning seems less and less likely. Some schools have implemented social distance markers, created handwashing stations, and temperature scanners for students.
But the threat of the virus is seemingly forcing the govt to reconsider. Parents cited the death of a Vice Principal of a prominent high school from COVID-19 as the reason why physical learning will be risky. But have parents turned their backs to schools? Apart from the regular textbook and learning materials for school.
There is another essential item that has been added to the book list of most schools, a smart device…Tablet or laptop.
One parent explained that her child is scheduled to attend school for three days in person and have online classes for the rest of the week. But she worries about parents who cannot afford books in addition to a smart device. For others it means staying home or paying someone to monitor the child, an expense many cannot afford due to economic hardship. Another parent who is also an educator says it’s challenging.
Shanderpaul Sutton who owns this internet cafe in Flechers land in West Kingston says he has been trying to bridge the digital divide for parents and children who do not have an electronic device and cannot afford one.
He says as the virtual classroom becomes the more practical option, he’s providing a space for students not to get left behind.
