Transitions are never easy, so it would not be surprising if both Jamestown Community College and the State University of New York at Fredonia experienced some difficulties with the move to distance learning. According to both institutions earlier last week, things are progressing.

However, the big issue — with both area schools and institutions of higher learning — is how do you reach those who continue to ignore the efforts of the instructor? That is something all educators must be grappling over.

With the colleges, students are paying for the education. Thus, you would expect more accountability. Public school students, however, when not in a classroom are probably less likely to be tuned into learning.

We’re all in an era of uncertainty. This transition in education may play out favorably.

But With an uncertain timeline, if communication with students is missing or not working it will become incumbent upon the administration to come up with some new plan moving ahead.

Accountability comes down to grades. That is where it will become sticky.