By Kimmy Reinhardt

Education and media are two paths that are often seen as entirely disconnected; however, throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, we have seen how important the use of media within education can be. 

People are using online videos, curricula and interactive websites on different topics not only within the classroom setting but to grow their learning outside of these spaces. Today, anyone can pick up their phone, open the YouTube app and find videos with answers to any question they may have; and YouTube just scratches the surface of the free resources available. 

Yet, nearly every time I tell somebody about my goals of creating free and accessible educational content, I am met with, “There is no need for digital media in education.” Often, the people responding like this work within education and rely on digital media for their student’s education.

Having my career field questioned every time I mention it in the classroom has made me question my path in life; it also makes me question how much these educators really know about the changing education field and how much future students will be affected by their lack of knowledge.

Without free resources available online these students would be left to struggle, unable to bring their grades up to a passing level. 

As someone who was homeschooled from first grade through high school, I saw how expensive curriculum and educational resources could be for just one student. Compared to the price of educating a whole school of students, the price of educating one student is nothing. 

Of course, many families never see the cost of that curriculum. If we were to add in tutoring, extra workbooks to fill in where a student is lacking and additional resources during the summer, these costs would add up quickly. 

There are many students who benefit greatly from the aforementioned resources, and yet because of high prices, many families are unable to afford to assist their students despite how badly they may want to. Outside of my schooling, I work as a tutor, and when comparing my rate of $15 per hour to those that appear from a quick online search, my prices are on the low end. Nonetheless, many families are still unable to afford my services, meaning that without free resources available online these students would be left to struggle, unable to bring their grades up to a passing level. 

Despite how important these free resources are for the education of many students and individuals who are no longer in school, there are many who are still ignoring the importance of free and accessible educational media. Not only are they causing harm to the students who need these opportunities to succeed, but they are causing harm to those of us who are left questioning the value of our dreams to create these resources. 

Even while being involved in the field, there are many current educators who are unable to accept the growth and advancements that are unavoidable and necessary within the field of education.