Learning From Home Takes a Toll on SC Students

As a response to the spread of COVID-19, South Carolina schools were forced to make the switch to online learning.  From kindergarten to college, students of all ages are struggling to make the transition to virtual education. But this shift hasn’t come without its challenges. Instead of studying in desks surrounded by their peers, students are stuck learning from home.

While there are definite benefits to going remote, a major downside is that students are now more distracted than ever. With everyday interruptions and no teacher to reprimand, it’s difficult to focus.

According to a study done by the Journal of the National College Testing on Dishonesty and Testing, “The lack of [a proctor] was essentially considered permission to collaborate and use whatever resources students had available.” This means that without a test administer in the room, students are likely going to collaborate, using each other as a resource.

As times are changing, education will continue to shift to best suit the circumstances. The struggle to adapt may ease over time, but will it be enough to stop the rising trend of academic dishonesty?