Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, students at Segerstrom High School have been required to participate in distance learning since school let out on March 13, 2020, which was the last day students were on campus. 

Entirely online, many students have had to adjust to the new way of learning. Issues relating to student engagement and participation in conjunction with technology hurdles have had a prominent impact on both students and teachers. As Segerstrom enters the end of the second grading week period, it seems most have gradually accustomed themselves to the change. 

But, to the chagrin of some, this system of learning may change again. SAUSD has been working on a plan to resume learning in person with what they call “hybrid learning.” Hybrid learning would consist of both virtual and in-person learning. For example, two days of the week may be designated for in-person learning and the other three days would continue to be virtual only. Students would be organized into groups and would take turns between the two modes of learning. 

But, a transfer to hybrid learning may not be what the students need. Under the Santa Ana plan, students will have the choice to do hybrid learning or full distance learning, but is hybrid learning the best option?

“I really enjoy online learning because it allows me to be independent and enables me to manage my time better. To me, hybrid learning seems pointless and will need too many safety precautions that will just make the school days more stressful,” Alyssa Maier (12) says.

Alyssa, like many other students, has become accustomed to online learning and has an established routine. Going back to school in person would put more stress on herself as well as other students. There is enough change happening due to the pandemic, and putting more on students may only hinder their academic performance. 

In addition, there is concern for a second and possibly third wave of COVID-19. Schools throughout the U.S. have started their own form of hybrid learning, but even with all the new safety precautions, COVID-19 has still managed to spread. Students should not have to put their health or their family’s health in jeopardy. The plan for hybrid learning should not take place until the number of cases is substantially lower. What will happen to the students who want to attend school but can’t due to people at home being at high risk for coronavirus? 

Proponents of hybrid learning point to the financial burden distance learning has on families. Many Santa Ana families are already in precarious situations because of the shutdown of the economy. Even before, they already depended on schools to feed their children, and the pandemic is only escalating the need for food. Proponents also argue that distance learning forces parents to be with their children at home or to learn without any kind of supervision would have a multitude of negative consequences.

Therefore, there are both advantages and disadvantages to hybrid learning, and it is, ultimately up to the student and their family to decide which will be the better option.