There are two options for students at Hollis Brookline High School to pick as far as attending school: in-person or via Zoom. What are those differences and what do students generally seem to think is overall better?

Students currently attending remotely, who have attended school in-person previously, are able to reminisce on certain aspects of in-person that they miss. “I think the main difference is social, as when it comes to schooling, the teachers are doing a tremendous job of linking the virtual and present world together, so there’s no problem there. The largest difference is social. Because for as hard as teachers and students can try to connect the classrooms, both virtually and physically, the social aspect, the talking to friends, the connections you make with your fellow classmates is just not there,” said yearly high honor roll student, William Bird 22’. 

Contrary to remote students, students currently attending school in-person now have the opportunity to reminisce upon aspects of remote learning. “Remote learning can be helpful as far as learning at your own pace because you can look back at certain lessons to better understand them, which is pretty nice”, said Ethan Bender 22’. Bender opted for learning in person this year because although pacing is more personalized when learning remote, he believes the value of a classroom environment and seeing friends, peers and teachers daily is more beneficial.

Most students at HBHS who attend school in-person additionally have a few remote classes. These students are constantly attending both remote and in-person classes which allows them to have a daily reminder of differences between the two styles of learning. “I feel like nothing gets done” and “I learn better, like I actually do work when there’s an actual teacher in the room”, said Kate McElveen 23’. She believes though remote can give you more freedom and is nice sometimes, it can not replace the in-person experience. McElveen said, “I think there is just an aspect of learning I get better when I’m in school,” and said that when a teacher is in the room, it helps her accomplish work more efficiently.

Students at HBHS are clear that they have both positive and negative outlooks towards remote and in-person learning and each option provides drastically different pros and cons.