Tag: COVID-19

College After Covid-19

by Kiran Jayasinghe

The novel coronavirus has changed all of our lifestyles, from work to sports to school. My swim team has just resumed practices after three months of quarantine. My dad holds all his meetings at home, just a few feet away from where I do my online school Since I was already homeschooled, corona hasn’t changed much in terms of education for me. But I think it will continue to effect our education system in the years to come, and I wonder if I’ll have the same college experience in a few years that a traditional college student would have had.

If we don’t have a vaccine for Corona virus by the time I get to college, then we’ll still need to take preventative measures to keep ourselves safe from infection. This means schools will need to have some form of social distancing, which may even include remote online learning. I’ve been homeschooled for my entire life, so while online learning won’t be hard, the college experience — debates with classmates, study groups and group assignments, team sports — might not be a reality for me.

Even if we have a vaccine, the way we learn could change.  University and colleges may find online teaching to be more cost effective and switch to using tools like virtual reality goggles and other online resources. More schools may abandon the traditional schedule and lean towards more asynchronous classes, giving students less of the normal college experience.

And since online learning poses challenges to students and may not be the first choice for many people, going to college could be less of a priority for some. This may lead to less enrollment, which means budget cuts in schools or higher prices for students (or both). If Coronavirus is still at large by the time I go to college, the education experience we have now may not exist.

20 fun ways to stay occupied while social-distancing or self-quarantining!

By Simran Jayasinghe

In efforts to slow down the spread of COVID-19, people across the world have been encouraged to stay home and practice social- distancing. Schools have closed and/or gone online. People who can have started working from home. However, staying home all day for weeks can get boring and monotonous. Here are some ideas of fun things to do while you’re at home!

  1. Read some books! – It’s the perfect time to read that book you bought but never had time to read. If you don’t have any new books with you, search online! There are thousands of books online, waiting to be read.
  2. Do some puzzles! – Puzzles are a great way to pass the time. You could be on one for hours!
  3. Learn a new language! – All you have to do is download an app like Duolingo or Rosetta Stone, and get learning! This will cure you of your boredom, and you will learn a new skill!
  4. Play board games! – This is an activity you can do as a family!
  5. Watch movies! – If you have iTunes, Netflix, Disney +, or any streaming service, pick a couple movies you’ve never had the time to watch, and get cozy!
  6. Order and assemble some new furniture! – IKEA’s instructions on how to put a bookshelf together is sure to keep you occupied for at least a couple hours!
  7. Typing! – Websites like NitroType, and Typing.com, are free and easy to use. Battle against yourself and see how fast you can type!
  8. Get some spring cleaning done! – Since you now have all the time on your hands to do the things you would normally be too busy to do, get cleaning! Re-organize your closet, drawers, and shelves, and get rid of all the junk that may have piled up. Don’t forget to disinfect!
  9. Get crafty! Websites like Pinterest have tons of DIY ideas! Try to recreate something you find, with only the supplies you already have!
  10. Exercise – Enjoy nature and the outdoors! Maybe download a fitness app, or find workouts online! Run or walk around your neighborhood, maybe bring your pet! Just make sure to stay away from people!
  11. Photo shoot! – Get a camera, or an iPhone, and stage photos around the house. Edit them, use filters, make it fun!
  12. Learn calligraphy. – Calligraphy is a skill that only requires a Sharpie (if you don’t have a calligraphy pen), and paper. Use YouTube videos to learn how!
  13. Invent a board game! – Brainstorm a game you would love to play, and make it happen!
  14. Play charades! – Use a charades app or find categories and prompts online!
  15. Film a cooking show! – While cooking, record it! You can add commentary using VoiceOver, and edit however you want. Watch it later and laugh.
  16. FaceTime or Skype friends! – Even though you shouldn’t physically be hanging out with people too much, you can always chat over FaceTime or other social apps.
  17. Bake or cook some food. – Think of something you can make, a snack, a meal, a dessert, with the ingredients you have. Doesn’t have to be fancy, but when you add some music and dance while you cook, it can be fun!
  18. Change your decor! – Move around your furniture, do a mini room makeover! Giver your space a new feel.
  19. Music/Podcasts – Listen to music. Curate a new playlist, and find new music on apple music or Spotify! Listen to new podcasts too!
  20. SLEEP! – By far one of the best things to do (we think), when you are stuck inside, is sleep! Most people don’t get enough sleep on a day to day basis, so when you get the extra time, take some naps! Go to sleep early and sleep in!