Prisma is the world’s most engaging virtual school that combines a fun, real-world curriculum with powerful mentorship from experienced coaches and a supportive peer community

“Burnout is what happens when you try to avoid being human for too long.”

-Michael Gunger

Burnout is a public health issue that has been gaining more attention in recent years, especially as the COVID-19 pandemic led to a significant increase in online learning and teaching. The phenomenon of educational burnout can have a serious impact on mental health, academic performance, and overall well-being.

Burnout, along with other, related, issues like lack of student motivation, mental health challenges, and poor online teaching practices, have made many people view online learning in a negative light. Of course, when implemented in an emergency situation like the COVID-19 pandemic, it was unlikely that unprepared teachers would be able to implement online learning successfully. But that doesn’t mean that online learning can never work.

As an online school, we at Prisma know that in fact, many kids & teachers thrived in an online learning environment. Whether they benefited from the reduced distractions, increased flexibility, or ability to go at their own pace; over the past three years, we’ve enrolled many learners who didn’t want to go back to traditional in-person learning.

And instead of taking traditional brick-and-mortar school and doing it on Zoom, we’ve designed a uniquely engaging virtual middle and high school where kids are allowed to go at their own pace; learn through hands-on, interdisciplinary projects; and build a flexible schedule that works for them.

In this blog post, we will explore the factors contributing to burnout in some online learning environments and provide concrete strategies and tips to help both students and teachers address and avoid online school burnout.

What is burnout?

Burnout is a state of emotional, mental, and physical exhaustion caused by excessive and prolonged stress. It is characterized by a decline in motivation, energy, and productivity, often leading to feelings of overwhelm and helplessness. In the context of education, student burnout and teacher burnout can occur due to the demands of schoolwork, extracurricular activities, and other stressors.

Why might burnout be common when learning or teaching online?

Online learning, also referred to as distance learning, became much more prevalent than ever before due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with students and teachers transitioning from face-to-face interactions to online classes.

Although online learning can be implemented successfully, in ways that aren’t in danger of triggering burnout, it often isn’t. If implemented poorly, distance learning can lead to burnout due to:

1. Health impacts of screen time: Excessive screen time, which is sometimes required for online learning, can contribute to physical health problems, such as eye strain, neck and back pain, and sleep disturbances. Additionally, the lack of movement throughout the school day can lead to a sedentary lifestyle, further exacerbating health issues. At Prisma, we build in breaks from Zoom by providing a mix of synchronous (live) and asynchronous (independent) work in our curriculum. Kids are also encouraged to take breaks, get outdoors, and participate in in-person activities outside of Prisma, like on our flexible Fridays where there are no classes.‍
2. Lack of social connection: Online classes can result in a lack of social connection, as students and teachers miss out on the interpersonal interactions that in-person classes provide. This can lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness, negatively impacting mental health and increasing the risk of burnout. At Prisma, we mitigate this not only by providing the flexibility described above, but also by fostering community through virtual clubs, extracurriculars, and lounges; and by providing an online chat platform where kids can make friends. ‍
3. Lack of clear schedule/routine: Online school can make it difficult for students and teachers to establish and maintain a consistent routine throughout the school year, especially if most work is independent and done in isolation. This lack of structure can lead to poor time management and difficulty balancing school, work, and personal life, all of which can contribute to burnout. At Prisma, we provide each learner with a consistent daily & weekly schedule, as well as match them with a learning coach who meets with them 1:1, provides feedback, and serves as a sounding board to offer support. ‍
4. Dull learning environment: Online learning environments can be less engaging than in-person classes, as they often lack the hands-on, interactive aspects that make learning more enjoyable and meaningful for kids. This can result in a decline in student motivation and contribute to academic burnout. At Prisma, we’ve designed our virtual daily workshops to be exciting, engaging spaces where kids discuss, debate, and collaboratively solve problems, rather than listening to a teacher lecture.‍
5. Lack of variety: Online classes may lack the variety and opportunities for extracurricular activities that in-person classes offer, leading to a monotonous learning experience that can contribute to burnout. Instead of filling out worksheets and endless online multiple-choice activities, our curriculum is organized into interdisciplinary themes where kids make choices about what projects to tackle. We’ve yet to hear that a learner is burned out on our classes!

Signs of burnout

Burnout symptoms can vary, but common signs include:

1. Emotional exhaustion
2. Chronic stress
3. Feelings of helplessness or hopelessness
4. Decreased motivation and engagement
5. Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
6. Irritability or mood swings
7. Changes in appetite or sleep patterns
8. Physical health issues, such as headaches or muscle tension

Strategies to address online school burnout

To address and prevent burnout in online learning environments, consider implementing the following strategies and tips for yourself or your child:

1. Set a clear schedule: Establishing a consistent routine with designated times for schoolwork, extracurricular activities, and self-care can help improve time management and reduce stress.
2. Prioritize physical health: Incorporate regular physical activity, such as walking, yoga, or exercise, into your daily routine. This can help reduce the negative health impacts of a sedentary lifestyle and improve mental well-being.
3. Foster social connections: Connect with peers and educators through virtual study groups, online forums, or social media platforms. Building relationships and maintaining communication with others can help alleviate feelings of isolation and loneliness associated with online learning.
4. Take regular breaks: Breaks are crucial for maintaining focus and avoiding burnout. Schedule short breaks throughout the day to rest eyes, stretch, or engage in a relaxing activity. This can help reduce the effects of screen time on physical health and improve overall well-being.‍
5. Practice self-care: Prioritize self-care activities, such as meditation, journaling, or engaging in hobbies, to help reduce stress and improve mental health. These activities can also contribute to a more balanced and fulfilling lifestyle outside of school.‍
6. Seek support: If you are experiencing signs of burnout, reach out to friends, family, or a mental health professional for support and guidance. Recognizing and addressing burnout early on is essential for preventing long-term effects on mental and physical health.

Online school burnout is a growing concern among students and teachers, as the COVID-19 pandemic has led to a significant increase in distance learning. By understanding the factors contributing to burnout in online learning environments and implementing strategies to address these challenges, students and educators can work together to foster a more positive and sustainable learning experience.

Prioritizing mental health, well-being, and communication is essential for navigating the unique stressors of online education, and ensuring the success and resilience of both students and teachers in the ever-evolving landscape of K-12 and higher education. At Prisma, we also believe that if designed differently, online learning can be an equally effective and engaging option as traditional, in-person education.