In preparation for our two episodes on the coronavirus situation, I completed some research and put my thoughts down, answering a few questions that were posed. My answers are written down below:
PLEASE be sure to check out our episodes on the subject, as well as take the time to view some of our previous episodes:
4) What are you doing to pass the time? (new hobbies, etc.)
I’ve been reading a lot … which is an unexpected silver lining to this whole situation. Gotten into Philip K Dick if anyone’s a science fiction fan?
Also picked up the guitar again (haven’t played in over a year and a half), which has been great. What’s not so great is learning how much worse I’ve gotten because of all that practice I didn’t do … but I’m getting better …
5) G9-11: What has your online learning experience been like? (challenges, funny stories, etc.)
Online learning is definitely a completely different experience when compared to regular school. There have been the obvious challenges, with tech issues and difficulty to have class discussions (everyone tends to stay muted unless asked a direct question).
Something else that might be less obvious is how difficult it’s become to get feedback from your teachers. For different pieces of coursework, it’s difficult to find times within the lesson when you can separately approach your teacher and have a chat (during regular school, you could just walk up to their desk, but now everyone is on the call with you).
It has been fun as well though. Our teachers sometimes organise online games for us to play during the first 10-15 minutes of class which helps alleviate some of the monotony associated with staying at home for weeks on end.
9) What do you miss most about being physically at school?
Online interactions with your friends and teachers just doesn’t feel the same as physically meeting them. The constant side conversations and discussions you have during classes is missing during these google meet calls, and lunchtime usually involves eating and catching quick nap if you have time (as opposed to playing card games with friends in the library).
Many of my activities are cancelled as well, which throws a wedge into whatever plans were made. Planning an MUN conference from home is a lot more complicated than it should be, and it’s difficult to continue to make progress in weightlifting when you don’t have access to weights
10) Are you consuming a lot of news about Co-Vid 19 and where are you getting your news and information from? How can you trust the information that you are getting?
I do tend to consume a lot of news surrounding Covid-19 (spend the first 15-20 minutes every morning getting updates on the situation around the world, as well as specific places like the US and Singapore).
One surprising source of information I’ve found that I tend to now rely on quite a bit is actually youtube. More specifically, there are certain credible medical professionals (i.e. Mikhail Varshavski) that have their own youtube channels and periodically post updates regarding the coronavirus situation – both within and US and internationally. Dr mike in particular has had several credible guests such as Dr. Anthony Fawci on his channel (as well as other healthcare professionals) that all offer unique and interesting perspectives on the situation.
For Singapore related news … I tend to rely on government sites to get information on the coronavirus situation.
