Host: Diane Gil

Co-Host: KeKey Hussein

Guest: Lamon Gorman 

Listen to other episodes: https:// podcasts.apple.com/ us/podcast/now-what/ id1439125172 

Episode Introduction:

In today’s episode of the Now What podcast, we are joined by KeKey Hussein and Lamon Gorman to discuss the various pros and cons of the schooling options and their plans to return to school are revealed. 

Episode Summary:

The discussion revolves around the challenges parents across the United States are experiencing in returning their children back to school season amidst the Covid 19 pandemic. Diane, Key and LG give their perspectives on the pros and cons for the various learning methods being implemented for the 2020-2021 school year. 

A note for our listeners - this episode shares our personal opinions based on our individual circumstances. When it comes to the health and safety of you and your family, only you know what’s best. 

Return to School Options as of 08/07/20:

California - According to the State Monitoring List:

• If there are less than 150 covid tests every day, per 1000 residents in the last 7 days in the county, the schools cannot open.
• If there are more than 150 positive cases per 1000 residents in the last 14 days in the county, the schools cannot open.
• If there’s a 8% covid positivity rate in the county, the schools cannot open.

California Schooling Options:

• Online learning for the entire year with teacher’s assistance.
• Online learning until the situations are more favourable for in-person teaching.
• Home-Schooling the students. 

Texas - EMISD and NWISD Schooling Options and Support in Texas:

• Schools will open on August 20 with an online learning program
• In-Person Learning will be available and optional to begin on Sept 14.

Pros of In-Person Learning:

• This will help the students return to normalcy in terms of their daily routines.
• Social learning is enriched in a physical learning environment like schools.
• Practical activities (like science experiments, sports education) are available easily in schools.
• Schools are taking a lot of precautions for the safety of the staff and the students.
• Kids benefit from the traditional teaching method because they can grasp the concepts faster.
• Helps specially abled students to learn efficiently.
• After schools programs help in the development of children.
• Students may not take virtual learning seriously.

Cons of In-Person Learning:

• It puts a lot of people at risk including students, their families, the teaching staff and the community as a whole.
• Students may or may not adhere to the precautions set by school.
• Parents may or may not be able to trust the school to take care of children.
• Adhering to the precautions set by school may end up distracting the students from their actual education.

Pros of Remote Learning: 

• Creates an opportunity for parents to be more directly involved with the education of their children.
• There’s a better school-family balance because students get to study while spending time with their family and with their parents’ support.
• Parents can see how the education is being rendered in contrast to their values which is not easily trackable in traditional teaching.
• It is safer for the children as compared to in-person learning.

Cons of Remote Learning: 

• Children from lower income communities as well as children with physical and intellectual disability may not be able to learn effectively.
• Younger children do not have a good attention span which makes virtual learning ineffective.
• Teachers are not able to deliver value as children tend not to pay attention in online classes.
• Parents need to make time for monitoring their child’s online classes on top of their daily duties which can cause stress.
• Technology fails often and students can miss on learning.

• Parents need to make time for monitoring their child’s online classes on top of their daily duties which can cause stress.
• Technology fails often and students can miss on learning.

Our Now What To You:

• Tell us what your views are about the various teaching methods being offered to your family for the 2020-2021 academic year.

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Contact: [email protected] 

Website: www.dianegil.com 

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This episode was executive produced by: LG Media

Episode show notes by: Tanishka Kherajani

Music by: Alex Maldonado