Blog Post 4, EDCI 339
Main Inquiry Question: How do students learn best, should they choose their own learning methods/ styles?
Supporting question: Should students have the opportunity to pick between participating in online or in person learning?
My Learning: Online learning was introduced when the COVID-19 pandemic took over in 2020. It was quickly implemented as a temporary learning solution for students and teachers as schools began shutting down. Since 2020, online classes have taken a more permanent role and become an option for many students. Now that the pandemic has passed, should online classes still be an option for students, or are they causing more harm than good?
The benefits of online learning include but are not limited to less anxiety in students, more accessibility, flexibility, self paced, more range in course content (Unity Environmental University, 2023). Many online classes have recorded lectures, class notes, linked articles that are available for students to view in their own time. This allows for students to plan their learning around their own schedules (Unity Environmental University, 2023). This means missing content or instruction is not an issue. All these factors can result in better schooling results.
Alternatively looking at the benefits of in person learning include set routine, stronger relationships between professor and student, study groups, more hands on activities, etc (Unity Environmental University, 2023). Building a real life connection is very important in a student’s school life. It allows for them to have a sense of belonging and a group of people they can connect with. Having a set routine also ensures that students are able to complete all their work and study on time. There is less chance to fall behind in content as they are required to keep up in classes.
Reflection: Overall, both learning methods have their advantages and disadvantages. Depending on the student they may find one learning method to be more effective than the other in supporting their learning goals. A combination of the two methods can often be the best solution to supporting all students’ learning. Allowing the student to make this decision for themselves is the best way to resolve this ongoing question.
Next Research Question: Although research shows that in person and online learning are both generally equally effective, should one of the learning methods be completely eliminated?
Next Steps:
-Create an infographic on the benefits of online learning vs. in person.
References:
(2023, November 10). Online Vs In-Person Classes: Is One Better Than The Other? Unity Environmental University. https://unity.edu/articles/online-vs-in-person-classes/
Drea, J. (2021, March 19). Online? In Person? The Power of Letting Students Choose. Harvard Business Impact. https://hbsp.harvard.edu/inspiring-minds/online-in-person-the-power-of-letting-students-choose
Bright, K. (2024, December). Learning Online vs. Learning in Person: A Mixed-Methods Approach to Understanding How Student Preferences and Perceptions Have Evolved Since the Pandemic.Oklahoma State University, USA. https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1455301.pdf
Photopoulos, P., Tsonos, C., Stavrakas, I., Triantis, D. (2022, December 21). Remote and In-Person Learning: Utility Versus Social Experience. National Library of Medicine.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9769479/