Social Isolation During Pandemic and Its Impact To Student's Learning

 By: Academia PH

The emergence of COVID19 pandemic which was originated from China became the major problem of the year 2020.  It has altered people's way of life, creating an unparalleled threat to public health, closing of establishments, schools, and other societal needs. Students are mostly affected by the pandemic. Their education is compromised to ensure the safety and health of the students. In order to continue the education, the world adapts to a new normal learning modality where distance learning becomes the new mode of education.

With the adoption of new normal learning modality, it is crucial to determine its advantages and disadvantages and assess students' preparation for new normal learning modality and forecast their progress (Doe, 2017).  Today, both research and teaching can be done with the use of online media (Engin, 2017).  In line with this, students, teachers, and other staff are faced with the problematic system of education that has been implemented in order to continue the flow of education throughout the world.

In the new normal learning modality, mobile devices have aided in the establishment of alternative channels of contact between learners and teachers, potentially offering better access to course knowledge and facilitating clearer access to course events and learner encouragement. In all modes of education, motivation of students is significant, even more so in distance education, specifically, e - learning where learners are alone in their efforts.

Adapting to e-learning means adjusting for all students since students are used to face – to – face traditional learning. The benefits of teaching by distance learning are evident, but there are also some disadvantages. The socialization and behavioral skills that usually follow alternative learning approaches cannot be developed by students. There may also be a lack of regular interaction with faculty and colleagues to help improve relationships. Most of all, it affects the academic performance of students, adapting to new normal learning modality. (Gossenheimer, A., Bem, T. et. al., 2017).

In line with this, Students become socially isolated as a result of the COVID - 19 restrictions, which prevent them from interacting with one another. Home alone, a lack of social engagement, adjusting to new social and academic habits at home, and a sedentary lifestyle are all distressing changes that impact emotional wellbeing. Social isolation leads to disruptive behavior that damage relationships with people, at home, in the community, and at school (Wang, et. al., 2020). Students are presently less fit and healthy and spend more time on internet, resulting in poor sleeping and eating habits, which are aggravated by social isolation.