College students have mixed opinions about online learning, with some appreciating the flexibility it offers but others finding it difficult to stay motivated and engaged in virtual classrooms.
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Online learning has become increasingly common, yet many college students remain divided on their opinions about its effectiveness. Some students appreciate the flexibility it offers, including being able to schedule their coursework around work or other responsibilities. However, others struggle to stay motivated and engaged in a virtual classroom setting.
According to an article by Forbes, one of the most significant advantages of online learning is its flexibility. Students can log in and complete coursework on their own time, freeing them up to work or participate in other activities. Additionally, online learning can eliminate some of the financial burdens of traditional college, such as commute costs and housing expenses.
On the other hand, online learning does have some drawbacks. Some students struggle to stay focused and motivated when learning remotely, leading to a decrease in their performance. Additionally, online coursework can be challenging for students who learn best through hands-on experiences or face-to-face interactions.
One study, published in the Journal of Education and Practice, surveyed college students on their experiences with online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. The authors found that while students generally preferred in-person learning, online learning was beneficial in some respects. For example, students reported enjoying the flexibility of online coursework, as well as the opportunity to participate in class discussions without feeling anxious or intimidated.
Overall, it seems that college students have mixed opinions about online learning. While some appreciate its flexibility, others find it difficult to stay motivated and engaged in a virtual classroom. As education expert Diane Ravitch once noted, “technology must be used as a tool to enhance [learning], not as a replacement for teachers or for learning itself.”
Table:
| Pros of Online Learning | Cons of Online Learning |
|---|---|
| Flexibility to work on coursework at own pace | Difficulty staying motivated and engaged |
| Less financial burden from commute and housing expenses | Challenging for students who learn best through hands-on experiences |
| Opportunity to participate in class discussions without feeling anxious or intimidated | Not as effective as in-person learning for some students |
| Can be helpful for students with busy schedules | Limited face-to-face interaction with peers and instructors |
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Aaron Barth believes that e-learning is having a negative impact on education, as it does not properly prepare students for the real world. He urges educators to return to telling human stories in order to engage students more fully and empower them.
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Between one fifth and one third of respondents prefer attending fully online (20 percent of continuers, 32 percent of stop-outs, and 33 percent of aspirants). For these students, they like the ability to take classes on their own schedule and a fully-online program offers just that.
Students have mixed opinions about online learning. According to a recent Common Sense Media and SurveyMonkey poll, 59% of teens say online learning is worse or much worse than in-person schooling. However, some students find the online learning experience fine. Studies from December 2020 found that approximately 50% of university students in Australia were unhappy with online learning.
A majority (59 percent) of teens say online learning is worse or much worse than in-person schooling. This percentage is lower for Black teens, though: Only 45 percent say that online schooling is worse. That’s according to a recent Common Sense Media and SurveyMonkey poll on the return to virtual school in the midst of COVID-19.
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Studies from December 2020 found that approximately 50% of university students in Australia were unhappy with online learning. However, today, many students’ opinions have changed. So, let’s examine the pros and cons of online learning and how students have been affected by online learning.
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- Flexibility.
- Move at your own pace.
- Personalized learning.
- Pursue passions outside of the classroom.