When the pandemic first hit and all classes were being switched to virtual classrooms, students desperately begged for in-person classes. They thought online schooling was too challenging and felt as if they weren’t learning. As it’s been over a year of online classes at West Chester University, the campus is set to open in the fall. Although this is what students initially wanted, they have quickly switched their opinion and would rather stay online.
Students no longer want in-person classes and prefer to remain online for the time being.
On March 3, 2021 West Chester University’s president Christopher Fiorentino sent out a message stating that “West Chester University is planning for a return to in-person, on-campus operations that will adhere to public health protocols for the fall 2021 semester.”
In response to my previous opinion piece, I used to think online schooling was damaging to students’ mental well-being, and in-person classes should be set in place. While I still believe it affects students’ mentality, with the reality of school finally being open, my opinion has changed.
In the past year, students have been able to use their resources for classes more than they ever have before. While some professors may think this is cheating, students are able to get help when they need it. Students are told that they aren’t allowed to research things for tests and assignments, when in reality, that is a skill they need for the future. With in-person classes approaching, this privilege is taken away, and students have to resort back to the struggles of memorization.
When adults enter the job force, they aren’t forced to remember every detail about their job and unable to use their resources. They are allowed to look things up and research key information for help. Research skills are far more valuable than memorization.
According to IDEA, “The ability to find and evaluate resources for learning is a necessary skill for lifelong learning and effective work in many fields. Helping students find answers to questions on their own is also an effective strategy for learning.”
How does the university expect after a year of online classes, having class in the privacy of your own home and the use of resources, for students to excel in in-person classes?
Regan Young, a middle grades education major, was asked her opinion on classes returning to being in-person. Although she is excited to finally be able to student teach and have the engagement that in-person classes give, she fears that test taking and being able to focus will be a struggle since she will no longer have the privacy of her own room. She has become so used to the privilege of researching for assignments and test taking; she is afraid that without it her grades will plummet and her GPA will go down. Many other students have become so used to the advantages of online classes, that switching over to in-person will harm their new learning styles and affect their grades.
Now that we are certain of this switch back to reality, students should keep in mind that, if they are in need of help, to reach out to professors and be aware that adapting takes time.
Ideaedu.org. (n.d.). Encouraged students to use multiple resources (e.g., Internet, library holdings, outside experts) to improve understanding.IDEA.https://www.ideaedu.org/idea- notes-on-instruction/encouraged-students-to-use-multiple-resources-e-g-internet-library-holdings-outside-experts-to-improve-understanding/.
Carly Hutter is a third-year Media & Culture major with a minor in International Business. CH916708@wcupa.edu