Distance Learning and How It’s Working for Physical Education

Lesly Hernandez, Co-Editor-in-Chief

As a result of COVID-19, physical education classes are being taken virtually, which can be a struggle for both students and teachers.

Many schools have been virtual from the beginning of the school year. This issue can impact some classes more than others, one being physical education or PE. This class consists of activities and exercises, which can be a struggle to do over a computer. Teachers can play an exercise video or give instructions to a workout, but students can feel overwhelmed to do it over a camera.

PE teacher Janet Gutierrez teaches four sophomore and two freshman classes. One new part of her class that she has to consider this year is students’ video cameras.

“I know other teachers are mandating that video cameras be on,” Gutierrez said. “I’m not doing that, I’m encouraging it, but I recognize that there is a whole group of reasons why somebody’s camera may not be on.”

When distance learning started, many classes were hacked, including Gutierrez’s class. Other people, who did not belong in the classroom, would join the virtual meeting and disrupt the class.

“I’ve had people putting obscene things on the chat line and playing obscene music,” Gutierrez said. “It was alarming, it was scary, but it’s been good ever since.”

Carly Luksich, a sophomore in Gutierrez’s class, shares her thoughts on the physical education class and how Gutierrez teaches during the virtual meetings.

“I like how she is keeping us informed about how to live a healthy lifestyle,” Luksich said. “I wouldn’t change a thing about her class.”

Along with these issues, stress has become a major factor in distance learning as well. Stress can affect one’s mental health and school has been known to bring more stress upon students, especially during these times.

“Your health is more important,” Gutierrez said. “I want students to know that they don’t have to deal with [mental health] on their own.”