When the COVID-19 pandemic exploded in March of 2020, many people were confident that it would have passed by the time school started in the fall. However, it’s safe to say that the pandemic has been more dangerous and controversial than everyone originally thought. If you are one of the many students struggling with this decision, scroll down to learn about three factors you should consider to help you make the best choice.
Risks of In-Person Classes
One of the first things you should consider before deciding whether or not to go back to school is the risk of in-person classes. Depending on where you live, the risk of contracting the virus may be extremely high, or relatively low. Many schools have put a large number of precautions in place to protect students from exposure. You should research the types of precautions your local school will be taking in order to make the best decision.
Even if you end up deciding that the risk of contracting the virus is relatively low in your local area, you should also think about your current social circle of friends and family members. If you have relationships with at-risk individuals, it’s a good idea to consider the ways in which attending in-person classes could affect them.
Quality of Online Courses
Another idea to think about when deciding whether or not to go back to school is the quality of online courses. Every student has a unique learning style; some students excel with online courses, while others struggle. Additionally, the online courses offered at your school may be of surprisingly high quality.
Online courses have some benefits over in-person classes if they’re done right. For example, online courses offer a great amount of flexibility to students. If you take online courses, you would have more freedom in your schedule. Online education often is less expensive than traditional schooling.
Personal Risk Factors
Every student will have a different level of tolerance to illness, so at the end of the day, the decision of whether or not you should go back to school should be based on your personal risk factors. For example, if you struggle with preexisting lung problems, heart problems, or other medical issues, your level of personal risk will be relatively high. You should also consider risk factors of other areas of your life, such as mental health. If you struggle with staying home alone all day, opting for online schooling may be difficult.
You will be able to make the best decision for you and for your family as you weigh the risks of in-person classes, the quality of online courses, and your personal risk factors. Make sure to do your research and trust yourself.
Here’s another article you might like: How the Coronavirus is Impacting Consumer Habits
