Head to Head: Virtual classrooms distract students

By Nadia Paschal

Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, a new format of learning has opened up for students across the nation. Despite the convenience of online learning, is this really what is best for students? 

Living in the age of modern technology does come with benefits, but overall there are many negatives when it comes to online classrooms. One primary issue is distractions. When students have their laptops present and the internet open, the whole world is at their fingertips. The enticement of being able to switch back and forth between tabs and take a break whenever they want can lead many not to focus their attention solely on their work and unable to fully process the information that is in front of them. 

Although smartphones and laptops are prevalent and have become staple pieces in many students’ lives, not everyone is fortunate enough to be able to possess them. This equipment is costly, and if it breaks, or becomes unreliable, how can students complete work on time or communicate that with their professor? Using the library or the computer lab is certainly an option, but these are resources that are not available 24/7, and with students leading such busy lives, they may be unable to fit a visit into their schedules. In a normal structured classroom setting, students have a guaranteed opportunity to receive and hand in completed assignments, ensuring academic success. They also have the chance to ask professors any questions they have and receive an immediate response, without having to deal with the hassle of sending emails back and forth and waiting an unknown and varied amount of time for such uncertainties to be cleared up.

Asynchronous classes have become more common, and students will rush to sign up for them, allowing them to take more credits without tamping down their day. Believing these courses will be easier to manage and take up less time, they often push them to the side to focus on more rigorous courses that often require in-person work to be done. Without direct reminders, this work may be neglected or forgotten about entirely. 

Studies have shown that physically writing and copying down notes on paper allows information to be processed better. The current education system has flaws that do need to be addressed, so that students can be successful and transition into the workforce, but online learning is not the answer.

SUMMARY: 

Traditional education puts students into an environment that makes  it easier to focus and learn.