Take on Online Events

Take+on+Online+Events

Hannah Kim '22, Staff Writer

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Marymount High School had no other option but to design most, if not all, of its events and activities to match an online platform. Although it may have been difficult and new at first, as we approach the end of the third quarter, everything seems to finally be set in stone. Even so, there have been challenges unique to the online platform.

Classes that previously depended on physical interactions had no other choice but to adjust curriculum to accommodate the limited resources and activities available to each student in the class. For example, the Physical Education class has been altered to focus on a healthy lifestyle, as well as the overall wellness of the students. Instead of the charity project, where students had to attend a physical charity event, students now instead must use an app to track how many miles they run in order to donate that certain amount to charity. However, students admit that classes can sometimes be difficult, as there is no teacher physically watching each student to correct their techniques and movements. This directly leads to more hesitant and nervous students who do not know if they are correctly following the directions given.

On the other hand, they add that the nervousness wears away, for they are able to move at their own pace. Not feeling the pressure to do any rushed or uncomfortable movements, they reveal that the class possesses an extremely relaxed, safe environment for students to perform their activities.

At the Yale MUN XLVII Conference, Marymount High School Sophomore Quincy Plotts ‘23 represents Brazil in the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) Committee, tackling on the topics of Protecting the Rights of Female Refugees and Health Care as a Human Right. (Photo courtesy of Dr. Menard, MUN advisor)

As students in Marymount’s Model United Nations club compete in virtual conferences, often on Zoom, they are expected to deliver the same speeches, behavior, and collaboration that they would bring to an in-person conference. However, a virtual platform presents inevitable challenges. For example, for some, participating can be much more difficult than in-person conferences. When it comes down to whose microphone picks voices up better, whose hand is seen first, or whose wifi has not crashed, technology presents barriers that are unique to the new platform. In addition, the online platform makes it rather difficult for delegates to power through the long conferences without the physical presence and support of their friends and peers. Without the exciting, uplifting, and new interactions that delegates would have the opportunity to experience, online conferences can quickly become tiring. 

Setting the challenges aside, however, there are still many benefits to a virtual conference. For example, delegates who may want to improve their public speaking skills have the perfect opportunity to gradually do so. Because conferences are on Zoom, delegates have the comfort of being in their own home, as well as the option to have their notes open on a different tab. This eliminates the nerves one may feel and encourages delegates to speak more than they might have in person. Online conferences provide a unique opportunity for delegates to get used to a virtual audience.

Other online events, such as school-wide Masses, in addition to virtual MUN conferences have proved to be successful. Unfortunately, no matter what the online event, there will always be the possibility of technical challenges that may disturb the smooth running of those events. Even still, virtual events provide the school community the opportunity  to engage in continued activities, working hard to normalize the school year during the pandemic. Hopefully, Marymount students will soon have the opportunity to participate again in-person activities.