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‘It’s exhausting.’ A year of distance learning wears thin

Kristen King, 17, a junior at Americus-Sumter High School, in Americus, Ga., sits on her living room couch, attending school via a Chromebook propped on a TV tray, in Americus, Ga., March 1, 2021. "It's been challenging," Kristen said. "I like hands-on help from my teachers. We can't really see our friends, like our school friends. We can't really socialize with them. We can't really do anything." (AP Photo/Jeff Amy)
Kristen King, 17, a junior at Americus-Sumter High School, in Americus, Ga., sits on her living room couch, attending school via a Chromebook propped on a TV tray, in Americus, Ga., March 1, 2021. "It's been challenging," Kristen said. "I like hands-on help from my teachers. We can't really see our friends, like our school friends. We can't really socialize with them. We can't really do anything." (AP Photo/Jeff Amy) Kristen King, 17, a junior at Americus-Sumter High School, in Americus, Ga., sits on her living room couch, attending school via a Chromebook propped on a TV tray, in Americus, Ga., March 1, 2021. "It's been challenging," Kristen said. "I like hands-on help from my teachers. We can't really see our friends, like our school friends. We can't really socialize with them. We can't really do anything." (AP Photo/Jeff Amy)

By JEFF AMY, KANTELE FRANKO, CEDAR ATTANASIO, and CAROLYN THOMPSON / Associated Press 7 min read

AMERICUS, Ga. (AP) – At first, many schools announced it would last only a couple weeks. A year later, the unplanned experiment with distance learning continues for thousands of students who have yet to set foot back in classrooms.

Comfortable homes and private tutors have made it easier for those with access. Expectations are higher at some schools than others. And growing numbers of students are being offered in-person instruction at least part time.

But students of all backgrounds have faced struggles with technology, the distractions of home life, and social isolation. The Associated Press followed four students on a typical day to find out how they’re coping a year into the coronavirus pandemic.

It’s not quite 9 a.m. and Kristen King is on her living room couch, a Chromebook propped on a TV tray.

“It’s been challenging,” says the 17-year-old junior at Americus-Sumter High School in Georgia. “I like hands-on help from my teachers. We can’t really see our friends, like our school friends. We can’t really socialize with them. We can’t really do anything.”