Online learning or in person learning?

[The Carnivore]

Most of us haven't been in a classroom in years. But if you were a student or teacher, which would you prefer, online learning or the in-person version?

For me, the main benefit of online learning would be the lack of a commute. For one thing, I wouldn't have to wake up as early to make it to school on time. Getting up in the early morning sucks, especially in your teens, and it's hard to learn anything meaningful when you're exhausted and sleep deprived.

The downside is that some concepts are harder to explain and understand online. Most lab experiments and activities can't really be done online either.

Socially, online learning seems to be a wash. You'd miss out on bonding experiences like throwing paper airplanes around and playing card games when the teacher isn't looking. But there's also a lot less pressure to look and act cool, and physical bullying would be nonexistent.

Thoughts?

[xilman]

Originally Posted by The Carnivore

Most of us haven't been in a classroom in years. But if you were a student or teacher, which would you prefer, online learning or the in-person version?

Thoughts?

Both. Seriously.

Each have unique advantages for both teacher and student. The combination of the two is greatly superior to either component individually.

In the above I am assuming a course of instruction. A one-off seminar dictates that one be chosen. In this case, I prefer in-person.

[Nick]

Current disadvantages:

• Students (or even some lecturers) with technical problems
• Much less fits on a screen than on a pair of large blackboards
• Distractions from a noisy home environment or unexpected things happening
• Privacy invasion, both from webcams and when lectures are recorded including student questions
• Harder for lecturers to see if most students have understood them or not

[The Carnivore]

Originally Posted by Nick

Current disadvantages:

• Distractions from a noisy home environment or unexpected things happening

I guess it depends on what school you go to. At my co-worker's high school, the air conditioner only worked in winter, the heater only worked in summer, and there were more ants than students in the classrooms. Roof leaks wouldn't be fixed for months.

At home, you may have more comfortable temperatures and seats. The restroom probably wouldn't be as filthy either.

[MooMoo2]

I wonder which option parents would support. I know someone who's now saving $1K/month since he no longer needs to pay for daycare costs.

[retina]

Originally Posted by The Carnivore

If there was no pandemic, I would want to have...

• ...at least 90% of my classes online
• ...at least 90% of my classes in person
• ...a roughly 50-50 mix of both

Which option do I choose if I want a 70%/30% split?

[LaurV]

Originally Posted by retina

Which option do I choose if I want a 70%/30% split?

Ye mod. Edit and add.

For us, we (royal we) would like the "in person" part. Performance related, there's nothing like putting 20 to 40 persons in a room and kicking their butts. Maybe I am a dinosaur, from the old era, but what I think is that the biggest plague of the current generation will not be covid or its relatives, but the fact that most of them will have diplomas from money-milking, phantom, online universities, which will be bought, and not earned. But this, you (the young, general you) will fill in 30-50 years or so. Right now the life is pink and funny, you don't need to go to school, mom and dad pays for you to stay in your room and play online games learn online.

[M344587487]

Lectures can be done online no problem. Seminars are better in person but depending on content online could be manageable. Labs would be very hard to translate into online form unless it's a pure computer lab.

[retina]

Originally Posted by LaurV

Ye mod. Edit and add.

I would, but ... lazy.

But to keep on topic.

Maybe for all of you who live with awesome Internet speeds, low relative costs and perfect reliability, then online stuff might be fine for certain things. But not everyone has that. Even a stable power supply can be problematic for some.

Besides, turning up in person is better for one's health IMO. Instead of lazying around in bed and just listening and talking, you can be moving, walking, interacting, etc. out in the real world.

Get out and do more.