or every student, a new semester usually reboots a world of hustle and bustle; it is as if an invisible alarm clock were always ringing somewhere to call for scholastic work. This March, things are quite different because of the epidemic outbreak: a virtual semester starts. Having downloaded assorted Apps and software, millions of students are receiving online education nationwide in e-classrooms. In my WeChat Moments, a heated discussion on how to embrace this unprecedented semester had been ongoing for weeks. Some of my friends had expressed their worry about poor effects of distant teaching. Others had showed the picture of their study with more room carved out for the laptop, iPad, cell phone and other electronic devices.

Despite all uncertainties, the first day at school came. However, it makes no big difference: our teachers lectured as usual in our cloud classroom with the similar appliances. They could type the key words on the e-blackboard and their voice was clear and amiable. Staying in the workroom, students were occupied in making notes and taking snapshots of the messages on screen. Flipping through the PDF file sent before the class, I found it even more distinct than projected PowerPoints. Teachers used technical tools to fulfill the need of interaction. After elucidating the new topics, my teacher sent a three-minute quiz to examine our learning efficiency and tiny stars were rewarded to us as evaluative points.

Most of us acclaimed that such online teaching brought about delightful conveniences and saved us from indoor idleness. It is an expedient measure during this special period when all students are standing by at home. Meanwhile, teachers have put into practice the e-mode of education. Some of my classmates complained about the lagging images, app crash, and the “unreal” interaction. Anyhow, such online education is a promising technological practice in which millions of teachers and students can re-build an on-campus learning environment with their concerted efforts.

In this virtual spring semester, we bid farewell to our indolence and meet all imminent tasks. We become more responsible and conscientious. Some students do voluntary work, such as translating public advertisements for the liaison office of the local communities; others have rescheduled their plans, reviewing lesson for the delayed exams. In this sense, education has gone beyond physical classrooms impaired in the adversity and united all hopeful people to continue their intellectual pursuits. With confidence built up in the spring, we are looking forward to getting off our cloud classes and achieving a reunion on campus.

This is one of the featured articles by SES Writing Workshop. The author is an undergraduate student of the School of English Studies, Shanghai International Studies University (SISU).