By Victor Agurto
In recent years, online learning has taken college campuses across the country by storm. Not too long ago, online classes were looked down upon as inferior to in-person classes. However, in the year 2024, the two go hand in hand; a college student taking a combination of online and in-person classes during their semester is almost to be expected. Covid-19, of course, must take a great deal of credit for making virtual classes a staple in college students’ education. There is a very clear before and afterin regard to online education. According to Genevieve Carlto, who has a Ph.D. in history and over 15 years of experience in higher education, writing for Forbes, “Instead of reverting to the pre-pandemic status quo, college students increasingly choose to take classes online. In 2022, more than half of college students enrolled in at least one online class.”
While the number of online courses being offered peaked during the rise of Covid-19, it has been steadily decreasing since. However, compared to a decade ago, the number of college students taking online classes is still overwhelmingly vast. Evidently, the prevalence of online education erupted into the scene due to the global pandemic, but it refused to go away with it. Online education is here to stay; the question is, which do students prefer, online classes or in-person?
QCC students are not afraid to voice their opinions. Of ten students asked to share their insights on this topic, five preferred in-person classes, three preferred online classes, and two showed no inclination towards either. If this admittedly small sample size is anything to go by, it would appear that in-person classes remain the preferred method of education for QCC students.
There are many reasons why students may lean towards in-person classes. For Arizona, 23, it is because of “the efficiency with which you can ask questions in an in-person class, as opposed to in a Zoom meeting, or through an email.” This was a reoccurring topic for students who prefer traditional learning, they appreciate being able to ask their professors questions as soon as they arise. Mia, 19, also claimed that “it’s easier to learn when you’re in a classroom, there’s too many distractions when taking a class online.” For her, in-person classes are “more fun” than virtual ones, which can feel “awkward.” Some students feel more present when they are learning in a classroom, they enjoy the interactive aspect that comes with it, and that leads many of them to stand on this side of the argument.
Though in-person classes were more popular among the students surveyed, a good portion of students really do appreciate online courses. These students were quick to point out just how convenient it is to be able to attend class from the comfort of their own home. For example, Lucas, 19, states that taking online courses is beneficial for his schedule. There is no denying that a long commute to campus is a problem for many students, or that it can be really frustrating to wait hours between classes with nothing to do. However, taking classes virtually essentially resolves these issues and that is a huge benefit for many students.
It is also important to note that when people hear the term “online classes” they tend to immediately think of class meetings on Zoom (or other platforms), but asynchronous courses – meaning ones in which lectures and other course materials are pre-recorded and uploaded to read or view at the student’s convenience – exist as well. Scott, 26, is a fan of asynchronous classes because they allow him to take things at his own pace and complete assignments without affecting his already packed schedule. He had previously taken a hiatus from school, and taking asynchronous classes helped ease him back into things when he decided to return to his education. “As someone who lives a busy life, it is nice to be able to do schoolwork at a time that is convenient for me,” he explained.
Of course, not every QCC student has a highly devoted allegiance to either of these sides. There are students who simply feel indifferent to this subject or perhaps weigh the benefits of both equally. Radelsi, 20, claims she has no preference when it comes to online or in-person classes; her schedule is flexible, and is compatible with both methods. Nick, 21, also sees the benefits of both sides of the argument. “I have no preference; I enjoy the variety. I appreciate in-person classes because I get to socialize, leaving my house and socializing is good for me. But I also enjoy staying in, so online classes are good,” he explained.
So, do QCC students prefer in-person or online classes? Well, the more popular answer from our admittedly small sample size seems to be the former. Apparently, students aren’t ready to let go of the traditional way of learning quite yet. It is difficult to beat the social aspect that comes from in-person learning; many people met their closest friends while sitting in a classroom after all. However, many students enjoy the modernity of virtual learning as well – and, let’s face it, it’s hard to beat listening to your 9:00 a.m. lecture from the comfort of your bed while still in your pajamas. Whether in-person, hybrid, synchronous, or asynchronous, there will always be QCC students ready to enroll for classes and students who can get the best of both worlds, enjoying the interactive in-person classes and the convenient online classes equally.
