Although my last post was about remote learning, I actually started going to school again as of the first week this month. A bit misleading, I know. I have nothing else to say other than that I had gotten overwhelmed with work, and what should’ve been published ages ago fell by the wayside.
To ease things a little for me, I’ve decided to change my posting days to Sundays instead. I’m often busy studying during the weekdays, and since writing takes time, Sunday would be best for me.
But that is beside the point of this post. Let’s get back to the topic at hand.
Studying with social distancing measures in place.
When I first received the email regarding the school’s decision to (partially) reopen, I was conflicted. On one hand, I was restless. I had spent a good chunk of my self-isolation period feeling upset with the entire situation. I was tired, depressed, angry, lonely and afraid; there were so many feelings at once that it got overwhelming at times. But on the other hand, I was excited. Even then, even though I really wanted to go outside again and go on with life like I used to, that feeling was accompanied with caution. And yes, I still am wary.
You see, there isn’t a lot of support here for people who have contracted Covid-19, and the difficulties faced in getting support increases tenfold if you’re a foreigner.
Just because the economy is in the process of reopening doesn’t mean that the virus is no more.
But at the same time, though, we cannot stay inside forever. This is the reality for many the world over. In this post, I will talk about the social distancing measures that my school has taken following its partial reopening. There aren’t many, but I thought it might be something that people would be interested in.
Online or offline? Take your pick
Going back to school is not as simple as simply going back. There are precautions set in place, as written in the email the school had sent. As a measure against Covid-19, the school isn’t allowing more than 10 students per class. So for those who wish to attend, they had to quickly notify the school about their desire to do so. For those who do not want to physically go to school, they are allowed to continue remote learning.
Interestingly enough, the school gave the same option to their own staff. Teachers who wish to come to school may do so, while teachers who wish to continue teaching from their home are allowed to do so. This is not an option that many schools in Japan offer. Many schools are struggling to adapt to remote learning, as there is a belief that it isn’t “real” learning, so I truly commend my school for being able to do this so quickly.
Less classes
Not only are less people allowed, there are less classes too. Classes are physically held in school twice a week. The rest of the time, we have to study online with the rest of the remote learners.
In contrast to pre-Covid-19 times, I’ve noticed that my schoolmates tend not to spend time together after class. Everyone goes home once class has concluded. The teachers also do not chat with the students. They used to do so in the past, to give us a chance to practice our spoken Japanese.
Health precautions
These measures aren’t by any means new, but I’ve listed them all the same.
- Temperature checks: We are told to arrive at school at least 15 minutes before class. This is so we can get our temperatures checked before class without any hold ups. Once the check up is done, we have to submit our health report online before the stipulated deadline. We are also made to sanitize our hands with the provided sanitizer.
- Masks and sanitizers: All students and teachers have to wear masks to school. No exceptions. Sanitizers are also provided in every classroom, and just about every entrance and counter there is.
- Garbage disposal: We’re not allowed to use the rubbish bins in school. We dispose of our rubbish at home.
- Spaced seats: For obvious reasons. Thanks to the student number limit set in place, we can sit at our tables with an empty seat in between each taken one.
- Use the stairs: Unless our class is at, if I recall correctly, the 5th floor or higher, we are told to take the stairs. Even if you’re allowed to take the elevator, there cannot be too many people inside at once. There is again, a limit as to how many are allowed inside.
This is how my school implements social distancing in our learning. Out of all the measures taken, I like how they’ve given the option to study either online or offline. It requires a bit more work, granted, but it’s great that they’ve given such consideration to both their staff and students. This is even better when you consider that the Japanese government has not given the schools any SOPs to follow.
Well, that’s about it for my experience with returning to school. More updates to come!
Stay safe, everyone!
