Undoubtedly the biggest story of 2020 has been the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, as the virus has widespread effects on the United States and other countries across the globe. When the COVID-19 pandemic began to ramp up in the spring, many people imagined that it would be a fairly short-lived event. However, as the months stretch on, it’s becoming clear that there is still much ground to be covered before American lives can completely return to normal.

For students, one of their biggest concerns is going back to school in the fall: what will school look like in the midst of a pandemic? Many students are wondering, “Should I go back to school, or should I put off my studies for a semester or two?” There are plenty of unknowns making the topic a challenging one, especially as the start of the fall semester quickly approaches. 

If you’re one of the millions of students feeling unsure about what school will look like this fall, the hope is that more information will become available as the beginnings of the semester get closer. However, there are some schools, like the Media Schools located in Colorado, Ohio, Illinois, and Miami, that already have well-considered plans in place. But before you can decide whether you’re ready to get back in the classroom, here’s a quick breakdown of what you might be able to expect come fall.

For nearly every student across America, school is going to look different in some way

Although it’s understandable that many of us are eagerly awaiting the day that everything goes back to “normal,” it may be time to come to terms with the idea that we may be facing a new normal for quite some time. There’s no doubt that schools are going to have to adapt to the current pandemic situation this fall, though how they choose to approach making those changes will likely vary by state, city, and even campus. 

Ultimately, if you’re considering going back to school in the fall, give yourself time to get used to the idea that things will be different – but that doesn’t mean your education has to suffer. In fact, there are many campuses that have created thoughtful plans for the upcoming semester, focusing on ensuring that students are still able to receive quality instruction and educational experiences. So, before you decide that the entire school year is completely ruined, remind yourself that most of the changes being made are in your best interest, and might not be as dramatic as you think.

Online learning will see massive growth

One of the most popular ways that schools are managing an unusual situation is by offering a wider range of online courses so that students are able to engage in learning from home. While the online learning environment will look different for each school, most combine elements such as virtual discussion boards, video chats, online assignments, and more. The goal is to create a learning experience that replicates an in-person classroom as much as possible, while still working to reduce potential viral exposure.

For example, the Media Schools located in Colorado, Ohio, Illinois, and Miami have risen to the challenge of education in the time of the coronavirus pandemic with an array of online learning options. Our hard-working instructors have adapted their curricular content for digital learning, making sure that it still achieves the same educational goals. When you consider that we are a school focused on media education, it makes sense that we are well-equipped to support students in the tech-savvy world of online learning.

Class sizes and classroom set-ups will most certainly be changing

As guidelines such as social distancing and limitation on group sizes have been released in recent months, it’s become clear that the standard classroom sizes at many colleges are not currently an option. However, with help from online courses, classroom sizes are being decreased to allow for adequate space for social distancing. Making simple changes to enrollment limits, as well as potentially adding more class times, enables schools to follow health guidelines while still remaining open.

At the Media Schools, we have developed new protocols that align with the CDC’s COVID-19 guidelines. From small classroom sizes to well-spaced desks, our staff is working diligently to implement new measures as recommended by the CDC.

Certain school events may be put on hold for the time being

Because social distancing is known to be an effective measure against the spread of COVID-19, many schools may plan to discontinue large student gatherings, presentations, and other events. It’s likely that this will be handled differently in varying parts of the United States unless specific guidelines are issued by the CDC or other governing bodies. 

You can expect to see a pause on school-wide events, potentially including sports and social occasions. Or, the size of the audience may be limited to allow for social distancing. 

Masks may be a part of your on-campus wardrobe

Although the topic of masks is sometimes a tricky one, many cities and states have issues mandates that require residents to wear masks in public. It is yet to be seen how schools will handle the issue of masking, and whether some may require masks in classrooms and other parts of campus. Depending on your school, as well as where it is located, you may (or may not) need to be prepared to wear a face mask on a regular basis.

Make 2020 Your Year with an Education in Media

Have you ever wondered if a career in the media industry is right for you? Or maybe you’ve already started studying for a degree in media, but this year’s events have put those goals on hold. 

At the Media Schools located in Colorado, Ohio, Illinois, and Miami, we are continuing to do everything we can to ensure that students can still work towards their dream careers – even with the current events of 2020. By combining options for online classes in video production, broadcasting, and other topics with smaller class sizes and extra health and safety measures, our goal is to help students move forward with their media education. We have a number of campuses where you can pursue your dream of joining the media industry.

Don’t let another year pass you by without making progress on your career goals; contact our offices for more information about enrolling in one of our media education programs today.

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