Rational Argument for Online Learning
Gavin Ales
Dr. Bonnie Kyburz
English Composition 2
May 16, 2021
Is remote learning a tool for success, or the demise of education?
Online learning has been I’m sure just as difficult for myself as everyone else. Prior to the pandemic in fall of 2020 only five percent of most college budgets were designated to I.T. Online learning services are now expected to become a 370 billion dollar industry by the year 2026. There undoubtedly have been serious challenges facing the traditional education process. The pandemic pushing toward online learning has brought to light how unnecessary many hours in lectures really are. In some instances, of course, exposure to hands on training can never be fully supplemented by an online class. However, it is now apparent that our educational institutions need to allow students to engage a self paced learning model if they chose to do so. It really does seem that those students who can hold themselves accountable to their work perform better under this self paced environment. While others may do better academically with a professor and daily reminders for exact deadlines. A hybrid approach to learning brings a lot of potential in post pandemic learning scenarios. Students will have the option to do classes that don’t really require being in person while going to school then going to labs physically.
At least in theory it should make sense that giving students the ability to move along at their own pace ought to mean they perform at a higher level with less stress. However, are the numbers consistent with this theory? It unfortunately in not the case according to one study from researchers at the University of California. “Students in face-to-face classes get higher grades overall, and they’re more likely to complete the course rather than drop out (85 percent finish their classes on campus, but while only 79 percent of online students stick with their studies to the end of the semester). When it comes to the difference between passing and failing, on-campus courses had better outcomes. Researchers found that 63 percent of students pass traditional courses, but just 56 percent pass online classes, according to USA Today.” (Best Colleges) With these numbers in mind it is very important that we as students reflect on whether or not it makes sense to attempt a push through online learning or perhaps holding out and maybe taking time off until we can go back in person.
As much as technology is beautiful in accelerating production, it also accelerates the rates of mental illness. In fact, increases in overall screen time directly correlate to an increase in mental illness. In a study from the University of British Colombia more than two hours of screen time lead to students reporting lower life satisfaction, higher levels of anxiety, and depressive symptoms. Considering that the average adult already spends nearly 4 hours a day staring at screens, or almost 50 days a year! It’s no wonder why rates of mental illness have skyrocketed over the past year. Sitting in class used to be a time students had a break from looking at their computers and phones. Now there is no sanctuary. We are 16 hours a day with either a phone, laptop, or television stuck in front of our eyes. Online learning may have gotten students through the past year, but it is not sustainable long term. Students belong in classrooms with their peers and professors with the ability to collaborate in person among one another. With this information a hybrid approach that mixes the traditional classroom setting with online learning makes the most sense to keep a healthy balance between productivity and mental well being.
Wonderful insight! It definitely has been a trying year and adjustment for all.
ReplyDeleteThat's good work Gavin, everything you touched on was very true. For example, the section concerning screen time is very realistic. Due to remote learning I probably have at least 12 hours of screen time daily. Also, similar to how you elaborated on it; online learning was cool temporary, but it could most definitely be detrimental to many peoples lives -especially mentally- in the long run.
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