By Kamarya Buckley, Staff Writer
Even though students have been back to in-person learning for almost two years, it is undeniable that Covid has altered everyone’s perception of Virtual learning and learning in general. The increase in virtual learning sparked a debate over how it compares to in-person learning, and students still feel the impact of online learning.
One of the main advantages of Virtual learning is that you can go at your own pace if it’s a teacherless course. During Covid teacher had a zoom meeting and some required a camera to be turned on and for students to be engaged in the lesson. Nevertheless there are some online course options where it’s teacherless and you have a slideshow-like presentation where it shows you step by step processes as a teaching mechanism. You can take as much time as you need to understand a concept, and you are able to rewatch lectures until you have grasped the subject of the lesson. This is especially helpful for students who struggle with certain subjects or need more time to process information.
All forms of online learning also allow for more flexibility. You can study from anywhere, at any time, as long as you have an internet connection. This is ideal for students who have busy schedules or who live far away from school or are on a vacation.
Freshman Hanna Mulugeta expressed “My online experience has been different since I was in 6th grade. It was an interesting process but I liked the freedom it gave me.”
On the other hand, face-to-face learning has its own upsides. For one, it allows for more interaction between students and teachers. Students can ask questions and get immediate feedback, and teachers can tailor their lessons to the needs of the class and individual students at times. Face-to-face learning also provides a more structured environment, which can help students stay focused and motivated. It’s beneficial for teachers as well because they can supervise students to make sure they are on task and doing their work.
Another advantage of face-to-face learning is that it can be more social. Students can make friends and form study groups, which can be helpful for both academic and personal reasons. This social aspect can also help students feel more connected to their school or university, which can lead to a more positive overall experience.
This is evident through clubs and in school events especially with sports and extracurricular activities. Students are also more active in school because they have to walk from class to class instead of staying stationary in their online schooling area.
Jamie Fetterolf, a sophomore, thinks “being in school is better and more engaging as I learn more because people are around me and the teacher can personally help me and it feels more personal.”
In conclusion, both online learning and face-to-face learning have their own advantages and disadvantages. Ultimately, the choice between the two depends on the needs and preferences of the student. The teacher has an overall impact as well with encouragement and enabling you with the proper facilities . Some students may thrive in an online environment, while others may prefer the structure and social aspects of face-to-face learning. The key is to find the learning environment that works best for you.