To capture the feelings of those within the Brebeuf community regarding the experience of e-learning, I reached out to several teachers and students (via email— don’t worry!) to hear their thoughts. For much of the staff and student body, e-learning is unfamiliar territory, and opinions range from it being “overwhelming” and “stressful” to “relaxing” and “positive.”

Perhaps the most objective way to describe this situation is “independent.” Freshman Elizabeth Dolan acknowledged this, emphasizing the need to, “…manage myself and my work…without the reminder of teachers.” This was echoed by other students I interviewed; many cited it as their favorite aspect of e-learning. Olivia Hege, another freshman, noted, “What I most enjoy about e-learning is the agency that I have relating to my schoolwork. I am able to accomplish things at my own pace and in my own order,” while freshman Riva Zellars simply stated that, “…there’s a lot of freedom given to the students… [at] this time.”

Miss Drier, an English teacher, agreed, reflecting that, “…it’s really forcing kids to realize the importance of balancing school and life.” Magistra Schwickrath, a Latin teacher, added that, “Students (and adults alike) need to establish some new routines and rethink some old ones,” explaining that her favorite aspect of this experience is that, “I can self pace and take breaks when I need them.”

When asked about what aspect of in-person classes was missed the most, it was unanimous; in the words of freshman Heidi Wendowski: “I miss socializing with my friends.” Freshman Ethan Barkdull noted that, “…it simply isn’t the same,” to chat over the internet with friends and teachers instead of actually seeing them face-to-face, while Miss Drier remarked that, “…I miss the energy of my students!” adding that she has resolved to tell them, “just how much I appreciate getting to teach them,” more often.

However, this situation also challenges us all to grow. “In teaching yourself, you need to focus on time management, which can benefit you in other areas,” freshman Skylar Williams commented, while Olivia explained that this is an opportunity to, “…be more independent, disciplined, and engaged learners,” adding that, “…the skills learned during this time will be useful when we all return to school again.”