The COVID-19 pandemic is affecting NECC students in many ways.
The forced transition to online classes has changed the way many students are learning and for most, this change is something that’s hurting them.
Some students are angry due to having paid for traditional classes, but instead now being obligated to learn online, which does not work with their learning style.
One of these students includes current art and design student Justin Goulet who states “I cannot learn from virtual teaching, I need physical instruction. It doesn’t work with my learning style.”
Many students are also struggling with not having access to proper materials, or an adequate learning environment. “It’s very inconvenient and feels like I can’t stay focused due to distractions at home,” says Goulet.
Kendall Tobin has similar concerns and frustrations. “The downside of not having in person classes is the lack of reinforcement,” she says “I feel like there’s more of a reminder to work hard and complete things in a timely manner in in-person classes.”
Many students are also feeling overwhelmed by the sudden change of structure in their classes which they fear will more than likely result in grades not being the best they can be.
Art and design major Lauren Pliskaner states “I do feel overwhelmed with the change. I’m used to going to my classes at the times they’re supposed to be, it was my routine and now its messed up.”
She is not as worried that her grades will suffer but says it will take more effort to keep her grades up. “I feel like they’ll be fine online as they are in person but I feel like it might be a little harder since I’m used to learning in person,” she said.
Many students are also concerned about learning new technology without in person instruction. Pliskaner expressed how her photography class is much harder to do online.
She said “learning how to use the camera might be difficult since it’s so complex.” She said she also has concerns about using the software photoshop in which she states “I feel like it might be difficult since not everyone has it and I rely on the computers at class for the program”
Many students are struggling during this very challenging time, and successfully completing the semester will be a challenge for students at NECC.
