Student using computer (Christian Renero, CMRU.ca)
At first glance, online classes sound like a dream. Doing everything from home – what a deal! However, this method of teaching isn’t very effective, and can even give the opposite effect when it comes to keeping a student’s attention.
The classes are hard to engage in
The features that let you become everyone faceless and voiceless make the classes feel very impersonal, which can lead students to become disinterested in what they’re listening to. I can personally attest to the many times where I kept looking back to my phone, thanks to the “turn off camera” feature. I was thinking to myself, “doesn’t the teacher know I’m about to beat my Tetris score? I don’t have time to answer your question”. When you’re looking at a grey screen learning about essay writing, everything else seems fun in comparison.
Technical Difficulties
I’m not even mentioning the amount of technical difficulties that ensue. Mic not working, camera not working, or the teacher looking like a pixelated mass because their camera was from 2003. All these things only amplify your boredom. Eventually, your mind starts to wander off to other things. I bet the teacher isn’t having a good time either, since they’re staring at profile pictures all day. If that was my job, I would have gone on strike too.
Giving credit where it’s due
From a practical standpoint, I can see its value. I live in Airdrie, so I sympathize with the idea of online classes. You don’t have to get up super early and do your morning routine in a timely manner. Rather, you just have to login on time and do everything from the comfort of your bed. You don’t have any dress code or personal hygiene standards to follow. There’s no small talk with acquaintances, either. However, you will find yourself focusing less and less on what your teachers are saying. If your goal is to have people pay attention and participate in class discussions, in-person classes are the way to go.
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