This article is from the source 'nytimes' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/10/world/australia/australia-remote-learning-schools-coronavirus.html

The article has changed 39 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 3 Version 4
Remote Learning is Nothing New to Outback Families Remote Learning is Nothing New to Outback Families
(3 days later)
The Australia Letter is a weekly newsletter from our Australia bureau. Sign up to get it by email. This week’s issue is written by Besha Rodell, a columnist with the Australia bureau.The Australia Letter is a weekly newsletter from our Australia bureau. Sign up to get it by email. This week’s issue is written by Besha Rodell, a columnist with the Australia bureau.
When I was 13, my father, brother and I took the long trip from Melbourne to visit my aunt Pat and her family in the Northern Territory. We traveled by car and train, allowing us to truly grasp the size of Australia. And yet, nothing prepared me for the vastness of the cattle station where my aunt and her family lived.When I was 13, my father, brother and I took the long trip from Melbourne to visit my aunt Pat and her family in the Northern Territory. We traveled by car and train, allowing us to truly grasp the size of Australia. And yet, nothing prepared me for the vastness of the cattle station where my aunt and her family lived.
At around a million and a quarter acres, their farm was larger than Rhode Island. They were a three-hour drive from the nearest town and a seven hour drive from Darwin, the nearest major city.At around a million and a quarter acres, their farm was larger than Rhode Island. They were a three-hour drive from the nearest town and a seven hour drive from Darwin, the nearest major city.
Pat raised eight children on the station. Their schooling — from kindergarten through high school — was done remotely, at first via correspondence with a school in Adelaide, and then via two way radio when the School of the Air became available to them.Pat raised eight children on the station. Their schooling — from kindergarten through high school — was done remotely, at first via correspondence with a school in Adelaide, and then via two way radio when the School of the Air became available to them.
(The New York Times wrote a story about these types of schools in the Northern Territory in 1997, well after Pat’s youngest child graduated.)(The New York Times wrote a story about these types of schools in the Northern Territory in 1997, well after Pat’s youngest child graduated.)
It was Pat I thought of this week when my own son’s school sent an email detailing plans for distance learning during term two, starting next week, as part of a statewide move on the part of Victoria to slow the spread of coronavirus.It was Pat I thought of this week when my own son’s school sent an email detailing plans for distance learning during term two, starting next week, as part of a statewide move on the part of Victoria to slow the spread of coronavirus.
Very few people know so much about educating children remotely — but Pat is a national exception. After raising her own children, Pat became an educator in remote communities and co-founded the Katherine branch of the Isolated Children’s Parents Association. Her work has earned her numerous accolades, including the Order of Australia and a nomination for Senior Australian of the Year in 2019.Very few people know so much about educating children remotely — but Pat is a national exception. After raising her own children, Pat became an educator in remote communities and co-founded the Katherine branch of the Isolated Children’s Parents Association. Her work has earned her numerous accolades, including the Order of Australia and a nomination for Senior Australian of the Year in 2019.
Now her expertise in demand once again. Both the Australia Day Council and the Australian Broadcasting Corporation have recently contacted her in the hope she might provide encouragement to parents who are anxious about their children’s education in a time when distance learning may be the best option.Now her expertise in demand once again. Both the Australia Day Council and the Australian Broadcasting Corporation have recently contacted her in the hope she might provide encouragement to parents who are anxious about their children’s education in a time when distance learning may be the best option.
“There is a lot of unwarranted panic about this,” Pat told me this week by phone from her home in Katherine. “This is not going to affect the intelligence of your children one iota.”“There is a lot of unwarranted panic about this,” Pat told me this week by phone from her home in Katherine. “This is not going to affect the intelligence of your children one iota.”
She points out that distance learning has been in place, and been successful, all around the world and for many years. “People think this is the first and only time this has ever been done,” she said.She points out that distance learning has been in place, and been successful, all around the world and for many years. “People think this is the first and only time this has ever been done,” she said.
The Times has plenty of advice for parents dealing with children learning at home, along with a report on overburdened mothers during the pandemic, and good coverage of what it meant when New York City schools moved to remote learning.The Times has plenty of advice for parents dealing with children learning at home, along with a report on overburdened mothers during the pandemic, and good coverage of what it meant when New York City schools moved to remote learning.
My own anxieties about remote learning for my teenage son have more to do with the burden of policing his time, just one more thing in a long list of chores and responsibilities I spend time nagging him about. Despite that, I know that he’ll be OK in part because he has parents who are concerned in the first place.My own anxieties about remote learning for my teenage son have more to do with the burden of policing his time, just one more thing in a long list of chores and responsibilities I spend time nagging him about. Despite that, I know that he’ll be OK in part because he has parents who are concerned in the first place.
“Distance learning only works when parents are at least somewhat involved,” Pat told me.“Distance learning only works when parents are at least somewhat involved,” Pat told me.
For children in negative home environments, school can be a welcome respite. Both Pat and I worry far more about those kids than children like my own, who mostly have to deal with anxious, supportive nagging.For children in negative home environments, school can be a welcome respite. Both Pat and I worry far more about those kids than children like my own, who mostly have to deal with anxious, supportive nagging.
And yet for all of us who took for granted that school would be a constant, the cancellation of classes — with no clear end in sight — brings challenges both educational and domestic.And yet for all of us who took for granted that school would be a constant, the cancellation of classes — with no clear end in sight — brings challenges both educational and domestic.
What parts of parenting have been most difficult for you during coronavirus isolation? Let us know at nytaustralia@nytimes.com.What parts of parenting have been most difficult for you during coronavirus isolation? Let us know at nytaustralia@nytimes.com.
Updated June 12, 2020Updated June 12, 2020
Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.
So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.
Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.
A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.
The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.
Mass protests against police brutality that have brought thousands of people onto the streets in cities across America are raising the specter of new coronavirus outbreaks, prompting political leaders, physicians and public health experts to warn that the crowds could cause a surge in cases. While many political leaders affirmed the right of protesters to express themselves, they urged the demonstrators to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, both to protect themselves and to prevent further community spread of the virus. Some infectious disease experts were reassured by the fact that the protests were held outdoors, saying the open air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission.Mass protests against police brutality that have brought thousands of people onto the streets in cities across America are raising the specter of new coronavirus outbreaks, prompting political leaders, physicians and public health experts to warn that the crowds could cause a surge in cases. While many political leaders affirmed the right of protesters to express themselves, they urged the demonstrators to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, both to protect themselves and to prevent further community spread of the virus. Some infectious disease experts were reassured by the fact that the protests were held outdoors, saying the open air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission.
Exercise researchers and physicians have some blunt advice for those of us aiming to return to regular exercise now: Start slowly and then rev up your workouts, also slowly. American adults tended to be about 12 percent less active after the stay-at-home mandates began in March than they were in January. But there are steps you can take to ease your way back into regular exercise safely. First, “start at no more than 50 percent of the exercise you were doing before Covid,” says Dr. Monica Rho, the chief of musculoskeletal medicine at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago. Thread in some preparatory squats, too, she advises. “When you haven’t been exercising, you lose muscle mass.” Expect some muscle twinges after these preliminary, post-lockdown sessions, especially a day or two later. But sudden or increasing pain during exercise is a clarion call to stop and return home.Exercise researchers and physicians have some blunt advice for those of us aiming to return to regular exercise now: Start slowly and then rev up your workouts, also slowly. American adults tended to be about 12 percent less active after the stay-at-home mandates began in March than they were in January. But there are steps you can take to ease your way back into regular exercise safely. First, “start at no more than 50 percent of the exercise you were doing before Covid,” says Dr. Monica Rho, the chief of musculoskeletal medicine at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago. Thread in some preparatory squats, too, she advises. “When you haven’t been exercising, you lose muscle mass.” Expect some muscle twinges after these preliminary, post-lockdown sessions, especially a day or two later. But sudden or increasing pain during exercise is a clarion call to stop and return home.
States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.
Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.
If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)
Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications.Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications.
The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing.The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing.
If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.
If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.
Here are the week’s stories:Here are the week’s stories:
Cardinal Pell’s Acquittal Was as Opaque as His Sexual Abuse Trial. Critics argue that Australia’s courts exhibited a penchant for secrecy and insular decision-making that resembled the Roman Catholic Church’s flawed response to sexual abuse within its ranks.Cardinal Pell’s Acquittal Was as Opaque as His Sexual Abuse Trial. Critics argue that Australia’s courts exhibited a penchant for secrecy and insular decision-making that resembled the Roman Catholic Church’s flawed response to sexual abuse within its ranks.
George Pell Freed After Australian Court Overturns Sex Abuse Conviction. The cardinal was the highest-ranking Roman Catholic leader ever found guilty of sexually abusing children.George Pell Freed After Australian Court Overturns Sex Abuse Conviction. The cardinal was the highest-ranking Roman Catholic leader ever found guilty of sexually abusing children.
Great Barrier Reef Is Bleaching Again. It’s Getting More Widespread. New data shows example after example of overheating and damage along the 1,500-mile natural wonder.Great Barrier Reef Is Bleaching Again. It’s Getting More Widespread. New data shows example after example of overheating and damage along the 1,500-mile natural wonder.
Easter Bunny and Tooth Fairy Deemed ‘Essential Workers’ in New Zealand. Jacinda Ardern, the country’s prime minister, made the announcement on Monday.Easter Bunny and Tooth Fairy Deemed ‘Essential Workers’ in New Zealand. Jacinda Ardern, the country’s prime minister, made the announcement on Monday.
The Weirdly Enduring Appeal of Weird Al Yankovic. National economies collapse; species go extinct; political movements rise and fizzle. But — somehow, for some reason — Weird Al keeps rocking.The Weirdly Enduring Appeal of Weird Al Yankovic. National economies collapse; species go extinct; political movements rise and fizzle. But — somehow, for some reason — Weird Al keeps rocking.
In Scramble for Coronavirus Supplies, Rich Countries Push Poor Aside. Developing nations in Latin America and Africa cannot find enough materials and equipment to test for coronavirus, partly because the United States and Europe are outspending them.In Scramble for Coronavirus Supplies, Rich Countries Push Poor Aside. Developing nations in Latin America and Africa cannot find enough materials and equipment to test for coronavirus, partly because the United States and Europe are outspending them.
Our Best Easter Recipes. Here’s what to cook when you’ve had your fill of chocolate bunnies.Our Best Easter Recipes. Here’s what to cook when you’ve had your fill of chocolate bunnies.
More Coronavirus Vaccines and Treatments Move Toward Human Trials. Just three months after the start of the coronavirus pandemic, several biotech companies are beginning trials of promising vaccines and treatments.More Coronavirus Vaccines and Treatments Move Toward Human Trials. Just three months after the start of the coronavirus pandemic, several biotech companies are beginning trials of promising vaccines and treatments.
Last week, we wrote about seeking connection in a time of social distancing, and asked how you were staying connected. Here’s one reader’s response:Last week, we wrote about seeking connection in a time of social distancing, and asked how you were staying connected. Here’s one reader’s response:
My neighbors and I are having a ‘Pandemic on the Patio — Pyrmont Covid Cocktail Hour’ every Friday. We meet on our respective balconies to take in our beautiful view of Sydney Harbour and ‘the bridge’ and share an hour and half of ‘bubbles and babble.’ It is joyful and has also proven to put a smile on the faces of anyone who passes by!My neighbors and I are having a ‘Pandemic on the Patio — Pyrmont Covid Cocktail Hour’ every Friday. We meet on our respective balconies to take in our beautiful view of Sydney Harbour and ‘the bridge’ and share an hour and half of ‘bubbles and babble.’ It is joyful and has also proven to put a smile on the faces of anyone who passes by!
— Kim Chandler McDonald— Kim Chandler McDonald
Enjoying the Australia Letter? Sign up here or forward to a friend.Enjoying the Australia Letter? Sign up here or forward to a friend.
For more Australia coverage and discussion, start your day with your local Morning Briefing and join us in our Facebook group.For more Australia coverage and discussion, start your day with your local Morning Briefing and join us in our Facebook group.