Online Learning vs. in-person learning

This opinion article explains why the traditional face-to-face learning is best beneficial socially, mentally, and academically for the majority of students. Plus, a form regarding this topic located under the article that Shani would love for you to fill out :)!

Why In-Person Learning is better than online learning

By Shani Grounds

With Grants Pass High School’s new hybrid learning platform, which is a mix of learning from home and learning face-to-face, you may have been faced with the question of which one you prefer over the other. Some students have reported that they would rather enjoy learning while in their pajamas, while others have reported that they would rather return back to school like “normal.” Although in-person learning may not be suitable for everyone, it is proven to be more effective because it gets students to be more engaged in what they are learning, positively affects students’ overall wellness and more.

In March of 2020, after spring break was “extended” and we learned that we would not go back to school for a long time, I was devastated. Many other students were also hoping to go back to school as soon as possible because we missed our friends and our teachers. As online learning continued, my overall wellness worsened due to the inability to see my friends, the absence of motivation, and the sudden decrease in exercise as well. I knew I was not alone.

In-person learning allows students to concentrate better and become more engaged in classroom activities. When you are at home, you are most likely surrounded by distractions. This could include your family members, your cell phone, a noisy environment, household chores or duties, and more. When you are at school, you are managed by your teacher so that there are limited distractions and you are able to focus on your work. It is more difficult for a teacher to supervise, encourage, and motivate you through a screen than in-person. There are also fewer opportunities to leave the classroom than at home, where students tend to be disengaged in their class for unknown reasons more often. Online learning may also hinder a student’s ability to be successful in their classes. Research by the organization Students 4 Social Change shows that students’ completion rates are almost 5x higher when they attend an in-person class than attending a virtual one.

Image: Students in class at St. John's Jesuit High School & Academy (Bri Malaska/WNWO)

Attending in-person classes significantly improves a student’s overall wellness. The CDC, or Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, acknowledged that in-person learning is more likely to benefit students socially and mentally. When at school, students are given an amazing opportunity to connect with peers and build healthy relationships, fulfilling their social needs. As for mental health, research shows that the school environment is crucial for fostering academic motivation and inspiration. Many psychologists are concerned about the long-term mental health toll on students who have undergone online learning. In a poll conducted by the organization Students 4 Social Change, 67% of parents reported concern that online learning will lead their children to suffer emotionally and socially. Also, it is much harder for teachers to build a connection with their students and identify any needs they may have over a virtual conference. In a healthy and successful learning environment, interactivity is key. It is crucial for a teacher to do more than just present content, but it is much more difficult to accomplish that over a screen.

Although online learning has some advantages, face-to-face learning wins overall in effectiveness. Some students may argue that they perform better when they are able to manage their own time in the comfort of their own home. Other students may suffer from major social anxiety, so a more relaxing, quiet, and comfortable environment is beneficial for them. On the flip side, some students may have a stressful home life, so going to school is a refreshing escape for them. Students with ADHD or other behavioral disorders are also likely to suffer academically and psychologically during online learning. Their risks of mental health issues may be intensified due to the lack of in-person special education services. Furthermore, the American Psychological Association claims that distance learning may be teaching students how to self-regulate themselves, which is a useful skill they will use throughout their lives. However, interactions with teachers and peers help students develop fundamental social skills they will use in all aspects of their lives. In a virtual classroom, students are not able to practice their social skills, which may have a negative impact on their ability to properly socialize with others.

Photo made by Nina Wilder

It is no question that in-person learning best benefits the majority of students academically, socially, and emotionally. Many students at Grants Pass High School like me are hoping to return back to normal, because online learning has negatively impacted many aspects of our lives. When we are at school, we are able to concentrate better and be more engaged in classroom activities. When we are at home, we are most likely surrounded by distractions. Many students are currently falling behind on their classwork because they are losing motivation and are less involved in activities. A healthy face-to-face learning environment is crucial for the overall wellness of students, as well as their success in school.

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