Mixed In=Person, Remote Classes Begin

By: Ashley Jiang, Aria Scannell, Catherine Wu

With some students back on campus, the Academy’s integration of online Zoom classes and in-person classes into a hybrid model has sparked mixed views. 

Synchronous classes began to meet in person on February 25, after which all classes were asked to hold an in-person meeting at least once a week, with the exception of unique medical circumstances.

Many students have expressed satisfaction toward the in-person class experience. “Being able to visit the classroom in person enables students to work directly with each other and with the teacher to build a constructive and supportive environment for more effective learning,” lower Isabella Vesely said.

In-person classes have also helped students have a better learning experience. “There are some things that are harder to learn through a computer screen,” lower Nat Kpodonu said. “For my physics class, the labs and demonstrations make everything much easier to figure out and solve, and I really like the conversations in person for classes such as English and history.”

New students in particular have noticed that the hybrid model facilitates more meaningful Harkness discussions. “The hybrid model works better for a vast majority of my classes because of Harkness,” prep Corinne Blaise said. “Being able to sit in a round table talking to my peers is a lot better than doing it over Zoom. And because I’m a prep, I haven’t had an authentic Harkness discussion yet; this is finally allowing me to be able to do so.”

“I enjoy being able to connect with my peers before and after class instead of relying on the awkward breakout rooms to make friends,” prep Nupur Malhotra said. 

Teachers have also had a positive experience transitioning to in-person classes. “There is a lot of energy around the table even if it has to go through a lot of plexiglass, and I prefer that energy to the lifelessness of the Zoom screen,” English Instructor Katie Brule said. “It feels easier to connect with the students, easier to check in on them and easier to note when there might be something wrong.”

Despite the positive feedback about in-person classes, some students still prefer remote learning due to concerns about COVID-19. “I understand that the school is trying to return to normal, but I wish they offered remote learning for people living on campus until we can all be properly vaccinated,” lower Montana Dickerson said

“I prefer either 100% online or 100% classes in person. I think the hybrid version of school makes things confusing and requires different levels of preparation depending on the day,” upper and day student and upper Isabel Reyes said.

With the ongoing pandemic, many students appreciate meeting in-person once a week. “I think that for now, while we are still adjusting towards being back on campus during a pandemic, one class per week is more COVID-safe,” prep Niall Bandorf said.

“The one in-person class a week gives teachers breathing room, and I think it is really important that they have some say in how much they are exposing themselves and what they are comfortable with,” Reyes said.

However, remote students may find it difficult to cope with in person classes. "The small percentage at home definitely aren’t receiving the same experience, and Exeter is all about non sibi, so I can see where there could be some discourse," remote lower Zoë Chang said.

Remote and in-person students alike noted the additional difficulties of the 360° Kandao cameras, used to accommodate remote students, found at the Harkness table. “One time, we had to switch to an all Zoom class; another time, the audio cut out and the teacher spent 10 minutes [fixing it],” Chang said.

“The most difficult part [is] not being able to read body language,” remote upper Carson Bloom said. “I can't tell if someone wants to talk, and likewise I don't think my peers who are in person can tell if I want to talk either, [making it] hard to enter the discussion consistently and naturally.”

Nevertheless, Chang noted the utility of these cameras. “They provide different angles [and] lenses and allow remote students a view of the entire classroom,” Chang said.

For many faculty, in-person classes amidst a pandemic has raised many concerns. “I understand a lot of the anxiety from other faculty, especially those with higher risk themselves or families at home. That being said, I do believe the increased testing provides a greater sense of security when teaching in person,” Brule said.

While the hybrid model is still something students and faculty can improve upon, students are grateful for everything that the Academy has done to accommodate students’ different situations. “I appreciate the faculty and staff for working so hard to get an in-person Exeter back. Getting back in-person is going to be a rough transition, but it’ll work out and be worth it in the end,” Blaise said.