Pandemic could change public schools for decades to come, San Diego County official says [View all]

[Zorro]

It’s likely that for the next 18 months or so — until there’s a coronavirus vaccine — school will look very different for most families. The changes will likely go beyond just physical distancing.

Even if school becomes safe enough for students to return in the fall, a county expert predicts students might see their classmates and teachers only once or twice a week. School districts may have to adapt more of their instruction from classroom-based learning to blended or distance learning.

It’s a paradigm shift that may cast ripple effects on public education for years to come, said Bob Mueller, program specialist for student support services at the San Diego County Office of Education. More families may end up preferring virtual school and leaving traditional schooling behind because of health safety concerns, he said.

“I really do think that public education will be changed by this in a way that lasts for decades,” Mueller said in an interview. “It’s going to change the way we think about the role of the teacher, really the role of every employee to some degree.”

https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/education/story/2020-04-21/county-official-the-pandemic-will-change-public-education-for-decades-to-come

I can't help but think that more "distance learning" will contribute to the dumbing down of Americans.