Final answer:
The new normal in education is a hybrid model combining online and in-person teaching methods. Adaptations were made in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to a mixture of traditional and virtual learning environments. This shift also acknowledges and embraces a broader range of educational alternatives.
Step-by-step explanation:
The "new normal" way of education following the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic can best be described by option D) A combination of online and in-person education. With schools closing in March 2020, there was a significant shift toward online learning platforms and virtual classrooms. Not all students had access to computers, which presented challenges both for them and for teachers learning how to effectively teach online. As a response to the pandemic, traditional in-person classroom settings were adapted to include online components, leading to a blended approach that includes both physical attendance and digital learning.
Virtual vs. In-Person Education
While student responsibility remains crucial in both virtual learning and face-to-face learning, these two modes present different dynamics in the way students stay attentive. In virtual classrooms, attention can be difficult to gauge, whereas in traditional settings, teachers have more cues, such as body language, to assess student engagement.
Despite the challenges, a significant change in the education landscape is the recognition and increase in alternative forms of schooling, such as homeschooling, vocational schools, charter schools, and virtual schools. This diversification in educational options allows for more personalized learning experiences tailored to individual needs.