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How does this data look to you?

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Reply to this video with your impressions of what a virus is

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IT's Impact on Education

Study: Device Quality Impacts Remote Learning

Broadband access and speed aren't the only technological concerns for students engaged in remote and hybrid learning. The quality of the student device itself also plays a key role, according to a new study.

According to a report released by the Consortium for School Networking (CoSN), an association for IT leaders in K-12 education, two factors significantly affect the experience students have with remote learning: the age of the device and device specifications.

According to the report: "... [U]pload and download speeds during online classes/meetings can vary significantly by the age, type, and quality of device used. Students that were provided with older and less powerful equipment had an inferior experience than students with newer devices. Students that received newer devices with limited specifications (e.g., memory and processor) also had more challenges than students that were provided with devices with better specifications."

The effects aren't just perceptual. Researchers looked at data from students using the same internet service provider and noted that throughput was actually lower in the case of students who had inferior devices even though they were on the same network.

Some of the factors that impact the quality of the learning experience include, according to the report (all bullets quoted verbatim from the report):

Type and speed of processor

Amount of memory

Central Processing Unit (CPU) utilization

Number of applications running at one time

Quality of WiFi antenna and signal strength received

WiFi standard used and access frequency

It's worth noting that the researchers found that, beyond replacing devices or purchasing upgrades, there are steps IT departments can take to improve device performance, such as whitelisting the sites and services that deliver students' at-home learning materials and online class sessions so that performance isn't hindered by a network filtering product.

The report also noted that data analytics are critical for assessing student device performance. According to the report: "School districts need sophisticated information and data systems to adequately manage home connectivity and ensure students are provided ample resources to learn. With access to this type of adequate data analytics, the participating school districts have been able to work with ISPs, application service providers, families, and community resources to address identified obstacles to adequate home internet access. Without actionable data, school districts may make ill-informed judgements, exhausting limited financial resources. In addition, many school districts continue to use basic methods of data collection and analysis, like spreadsheets. Districts that have advanced data and analytics available are better able to make quick, well informed strategic decisions."

Some other suggestions from the report:

Include internet speed data with other student data "to determine the impact on student participation. This requires extending the industry-recognized Ed-Fi Data Standard and providing a standard API, which could be used for a variety of purposes. For example, before assigning an intervention to students, the school district should have data available to determine if the student has appropriate internet access to participate in the intervention";

Work with meeting software providers " to provide aggregated Quality of Service (QoS) data at the student level to assist in identifying students that are experiencing issues during online instruction."

The complete report, Home Internet Connectivity Study, is freely available on CoSN's site.

See also: Landmark Study Calls for Increased Bandwidth for At-Home Learning.

About the Author

David Nagel is editorial director of 1105 Media's Education Technology Group and editor-in-chief of THE Journal and STEAM Universe. A 25-year publishing veteran, Nagel has led or contributed to dozens of technology, art and business publications.

He can be reached at [email protected] . You can also connect with him on LinkedIn at or follow him on Twitter at @THEJournalDave (K-12) or @CampusTechDave (higher education).

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Study: Device Quality Impacts Remote Learning -- THE Journal

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IT's Impact on Education Broadband access and speed aren't the only technological concerns for students engaged in remote and hybrid learning. The quality of the student device itself also plays a key role, according to a new study.

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What do you think are some of the long-term effects of the lockdown and the pandemic? Especially as it relates to school?

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How Mask-Wearing Misinformation Became a Reality I Misinformation Nation I NOVA

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What is it? How do we cope? Reply to this with your answer after reading

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As lockdowns and restrictions ease in various locations, some people find it extremely challenging to reacclimate to "normal" life. As the pandemic recedes, some consider this phenomenon as the next emerging mental health crisis.

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COVID-19 anxiety syndrome is an emerging phenomenon defined by compulsive symptom checking and avoiding leaving the house, even when the health risks are minimal. Paul Frangipane/Bloomberg via Getty Images

Over a year has passed since SARS-CoV-2 began to spread across the world. Its appearance, which first caused mild concern, soon turned into serious worry as more people received a diagnosis of COVID-19.

In the beginning, scientists knew very little about this novel virus and the disease it caused. The unknowns and the virus's remarkably rapid spread incited fear among health professionals, scientists, and the public.

Soon, restricted travel, lockdowns, mask mandates, and physical distancing protocols were implemented as a tactic to slow COVID-19's spread. Widespread media coverage detailed every nuance of an ever-changing pandemic landscape as world leaders and health experts waged war on this invisible threat.

Worldwide, there have been over 150 million confirmed cases of COVID-19, with just over 3 million deaths attributed to the disease. According to official projections, in some countries, such as the United States, the rate of new SARS-CoV-2 infections is gradually declining.

This decrease is likely due to increased herd immunity and the introduction of vaccines. To date, approximately 1 billion vaccine doses have been administered across the globe.

As a result, some countries, such as the United Kingdom, are beginning to soften protocols initially put in place to stop the spread of the virus. As lockdowns lift, many people who were unable to leave their house are now going out and enjoying life as best they can while still being mindful of safety.
Yet, for some, going back out and mixing with other people is a concept filled with fear and anxiety. Despite vaccines and a decrease in disease prevalence, some people experience what scientists call COVID-19 anxiety syndrome.
Symptoms of this syndrome mimic those of other mental health conditions, including anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). And, the pandemic and related factors appear to be the cause.

In this Special Feature, Medical News Today takes a closer look at this phenomenon, how it occurs, and what the latest research says. We also talked to environmental psychologist and well-being consultant Lee Chambers, M.Sc., M.B.Ps.S. Chambers shared his tips on how to manage this emerging mental health challenge.

At the beginning of the pandemic, most people were on high alert, experiencing fear and worry over the impact this virus may have. As scientists and health care professionals gained more understanding of the virus and how to treat the symptoms of COVID-19, society began to settle into a new and unfamiliar routine of living with a pandemic.

Throughout this global health emergency, reactions have varied widely. Some people refused to change their behavior, while others followed the rules strictly to avoid contracting the virus. However, on a larger scale, most people experienced a sudden disruption in their lives.

Disaster situations often have the same effect.

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies classify a disaster as "a sudden, catastrophic event that severely disrupts the functioning of a community or society, causing human, material, economic, or environmental losses."

A disaster can have far-reaching consequences on mental health. According to , a disaster may precipitate PTSD, anxiety, and depression among the population. People with mental health conditions, women, children, and older adults are most at risk.
These mental health consequences of a disaster also occurred with the COVID-19 pandemic. Statistics recorded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) between June 24-30, 2020, show that around 40% of adults in the U.S. reported at least one adverse mental health concern, including anxiety, depression, substance use, and suicidal ideation.
As more understanding of pandemic-related mental health consequences evolved, scientists identified an emerging group of anxiety-related symptoms and behaviors associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. They classify this phenomenon as COVID-19 anxiety syndrome.

Profs Ana Nikčević from Kingston University of London and Marcantonio Spada from London South Bank University, both in the U.K., developed the concept of COVID-19 anxiety syndrome.

In a paper that appears in in October 2020, Profs Nikčević and Spada outline the characteristics of COVID-19 anxiety syndrome, naming avoidance, compulsive symptom-checking, worrying, and threat monitoring (combined).
This syndrome manifests as the inability to leave the house because of COVID-19 fears, frequent checking for symptoms despite not being in a high-risk scenario, and avoiding social situations or people.
Investigators note that people with this syndrome tend to experience increased post-traumatic stress, general stress, anxiety, health anxiety, and suicidal ideation.

The researchers suggest that, in some people, the isolation, fear of contracting SARS-CoV-2, and uncertainty during the pandemic may have led to the collection of symptoms that make up this new syndrome.
They also speculate that the "Big 5" personality traits may play a role in its development. People with high neuroticism may have a higher chance of developing the syndrome. However, those with higher extraversion, conscientiousness, agreeableness, and openness may have a lower risk.
Additionally, people with OCD tendencies may also be more at risk, as COVID-19 concerns may amplify the condition.

MNT spoke with Lee Chambers - who is also the founder of Essentialise - about possible causes for this syndrome.

Chambers said:

"There is a normality to the fear of the pandemic, as the virus can be deadly. The challenge is whether we have developed a pattern of excessively safe behaviors that keep us anchored into the fears. I expect there to be pockets of people who, even when vaccinated, will be continually worrying about [COVID-19] and be avoidant of anything that may heighten their risk."

He also noted that because research into COVID-19 anxiety syndrome is still at a very early stage, people need to consider a range of complex factors.

"Some of the potential reasons why [this may happen] include high levels of exposure to social media and news, disruption to routines and anchors caused by lockdowns and restrictions, and difficulties disengaging from the threatening stimuli, including [virus] variants and the situation in other countries," Chambers explained.

According to a study that appears in Frontiers in Psychology, several other factors may play a role in whether a person is at risk for COVID-19 anxiety syndrome.

Here are some to consider.

Low tolerance to uncertainty

A person's tolerance to uncertainty, perceived vulnerability to COVID-19, and tendency to worry excessively may contribute to this new phenomenon.

Research also suggests that people who have a natural inclination toward illness anxiety disorder (hypochondria) - a condition that causes a healthy person to believe they are sick - may also play a role.

Media coverage

COVID-19 has received extensive media coverage from news outlets and social media platforms. However, because SARS-CoV-2 is new, facts and information about how the virus develops change constantly. This may ultimately cause mistrust and anxiety among the public.

A plentiful amount of misinformation in social media, much of it negative, combined with politicians using the pandemic as leverage may also have contributed to the appearance of this syndrome.

The use of fear to promote compliance

The researchers also suggest that officials' unintentional use of fear as a method to ensure compliance to safety precautions may have fostered feelings of anxiety and excessive worry in some people.

They argue that a better option to ensure compliance without causing unwanted anxiety is to promote efficacy and personal empowerment through knowledge.

To identify COVID-19 anxiety syndrome, Profs Nikčević and Spada have developed a new evaluation tool called the COVID-19 anxiety syndrome scale (C-19ASS).

This assessment tool may help people experiencing this form of anxiety access the support they need.

According to Chambers, there are many ways to cope with COVID-19 anxiety syndrome:

Consider "actively seek[ing] out positive messages around improvements in the pandemic, the vaccine rollout," and how the risk of death from the disease appears to be lessening due to new treatment options.

Take things slow despite the expectation for a rapid return to normalcy. Step outside comfort zones at an individual pace while still practicing safety measures to "ease back into a place of harmony" gradually.

Continued use of hand sanitizer and wearing disposable masks or gloves may help ease anxiety.

Explain feelings of anxiety to a trusted person to build mutual understanding. This increases confidence and allows others to provide the support needed when venturing outside the home.

Be mindful of social media and news reports that may trigger anxiety and focus attention on positive, trusted sources of information. Consider limiting exposure to media to perhaps, once a day.

"It can be easy to become frustrated because everyone is on their own journey as lockdowns ease, and some people are more comfortable than others. Being kind to ourselves and others is so important to keep ourselves from becoming fearful. A little patience with ourselves and understanding that we are all in a different place will fuel the respect and appreciation that we all have a shared human experience we are traveling through."

- Lee Chambers

Additionally, people with COVID-19 anxiety syndrome can consider seeking the help of a mental health professional either through an in-office or teletherapy visit if that option is available.

Behavioral therapy or medications for treating anxiety or depression may also help those experiencing significant challenges associated with this new and evolving mental health syndrome.

For live updates on the latest developments regarding the novel coronavirus and COVID-19, click here.

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As lockdowns and restrictions ease in various locations, some people find it extremely challenging to reacclimate to "normal" life. As the pandemic recedes, some consider this phenomenon as the next emerging mental health crisis. Over a year has passed since SARS-CoV-2 began to spread across the world.