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'It's Not The Same': Students Share How They're Adjusting To Distance Learning

St. Louis Public Radio | By Ryan Delaney,
Ryan Delaney
Published April 9, 2020 at 5:46 AM CDT
With schools closed because of the coronavirus pandemic, students are adapting to having to keep up with lessons remotely, from living rooms, kitchen tables and bedrooms. Some like the flexibility, but they miss their friends and the milestones of school.
Nat Thomas | St. Louis Public Radio
With schools closed because of the coronavirus pandemic, students are adapting to having to keep up with lessons remotely, from living rooms, kitchen tables and bedrooms. Some like the flexibility, but they miss their friends and the milestones of school.

Schools in the St. Louis region and around the nation have been closed for nearly a month, as one of many social distancing measures aimed at stemming the spread of the coronavirus pandemic stretches on. In place of classroom learning, schools have implemented instruction delivered virtually. 

While students can now attend school in their pajamas, it’s not all fun. They’re missing their friends and teachers, and older students will likely lose milestone moments, such as graduation.

St. Louis Public Radio wanted to know how students are adjusting and adapting to their new reality, so we asked them to tell us. Take a listen.

Kids have been out of school for several weeks, and pajamas are replacing pop quizzes. But even if school at home has its upsides, students are missing interactions with friends and teachers.

If you’re a student out of school (or the parent of one) and want to share your experiences, just use your phone to record an audio diary. 

Tell us your name and where you go to school, then share your thoughts. Here are some questions you can answer:

What’s your makeshift classroom set up like? Is there a spot in the house where you are able to get work done?

What’s the biggest distraction to you getting your assignments finished?

If you have siblings, are you able to help each other with schoolwork? Is a parent able to help? 

When you’re done, email the file to feedback@stlpublicradio.org. We’ll share more diaries soon. Thanks!

Follow Ryan on Twitter: @rpatrickdelaney

Send questions and comments about this story to feedback@stlpublicradio.org

Copyright 2021 St. Louis Public Radio. To see more, visit St. Louis Public Radio.

Missouri News
Ryan Delaney
Ryan Delaney works on the Innovation Trail project - covering technology, economic development, startups and other issues relating to New York's innovation economy.
See stories by Ryan Delaney
Ryan Delaney
Ryan is a reporter on the education desk at St. Louis Public Radio, covering both higher education and the many school districts in the St. Louis region. He has previously reported for public radio stations WFYI in Indianapolis and WRVO in upstate New York. He began his journalism career working part time for WAER while attending Syracuse University. He's won multiple reporting awards and his work, which has aired on NPR, The Takeaway and WGBH's Innovation Hub. Having grown up in Burlington, Vt., he often spends time being in the woods hiking, camping, and skiing.