“It’s time for my online class!”: The Highs and Lows of Virtual Learning

Written by Nancy Maria Fernandez

Photo by Wes Hicks (Unspalshed.com)

Ever since the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the novel Coronavirus a pandemic, life quickly turned into a series of changes and adjustments. As students, we tailored our lives to fit into the new reality of social distancing, cabin fever, Netflix and frequent trips to the nearest grocery store, with some of us working from home. In addition to that, a major aspect of our lives — our education — has also seen some significant adjustments in the form of online classes. Starting mid-March this year, the university decided to shift its mode of course delivery from in-person to online classes. The university also recently announced its decision to continue the online mode of course delivery for the Fall semester, 2020. 

In this article, I interviewed some SMUdents who have enrolled for the ongoing Spring semester, asking them about their take on online learning and how they are managing the constraints of virtual classes along with their other responsibilities.

For Zeina, a third-year Psychology major, the shift to online learning has been naturally overwhelming. “It has been rather difficult,” she says, as she prefers the comfort of attending in-person classes. However, she does acknowledge the flexibility that the move has afforded her in being able to set her own schedule which is in stark contrast to “having to attend class at a specific time”. When asked how she is dealing with the demands of distance learning, Zeina says, “I made myself a schedule and I always ensure that I complete [my] tasks on time so that I do not fall behind”. She is also cognizant of the difficulty of “trying to get everything done on time for three different classes that are each going at double the pace of a normal semester which is quite strenuous”. 

It is indeed very natural to feel uncomfortable and bogged down by distance learning as most of us are used to attending in-person classes in four-walled classrooms with the company of other students.

Economics major, Dedel, had a similar experience. She recalls finding it very difficult to adjust to the shift to online classes in the beginning. However, she maintains that she has gradually adjusted to this abrupt change by adopting a systematic approach to her academic life. Despite the inconvenience, Dedel acknowledges the fact that she no longer procrastinates when it comes to getting coursework done. Having to set her own schedule and work at her own pace has made her a better student.  She says, “the benefit is that I can go over my lecture videos at any time. The disadvantage is that I miss the human-to-human contact.”

Despite the benefits of remote learning, Dedel still prefers to attend classes in person rather than online. However, when asked about the university’s decision to continue the online delivery of classes for the upcoming Fall term, she welcomed the move contending that “safety comes first”. 

Since classes shifted online, Jessie believes that she has “adjusted fairly well” to the new norm of university education. A psychology major at SMU, Jessie is currently taking two classes this term. She says that she has her good and bad productivity days, adding that the lack of structure has made it arduous to manage her time. Having been divested of the opportunity to attend in-person classes, Jessie finds “it very hard to stay on top of watching lectures and doing [her] readings because [she’s] lost that ability to physically go to class.” She also maintains that the new delivery mode could affect students’ social life as distance learning also reduces the opportunities to make new friends. 

When asked about the differences between in-person classes and online learning, Jessie contends that students are at a disadvantage adding that “lots of resources have been taken away from us due to online school.” She believes that the reduced number of and the decreased access to resources that facilitate smoother learning could adversely affect students’ grades. In addition, she voiced her concern over malpractice during exams, students’ academic performance and issues surrounding tuition fees. 

Regardless of all the possible problems students would encounter in the upcoming semesters, Jessie says that she is glad classes will be held online. Although she believes that there are many issues that need to be addressed and countered, she is “happy that the school didn’t try to re-open” as it would prove to be very risky to the health and safety of students and members of the faculty and the non-teaching staff. 

While for many, studying during a global pandemic seems unfathomable, some may think of it as a good opportunity to get a head start on classes and some don’t really have a choice, as putting off graduation for a later date is not an option. The move to online classes has and will inconvenience many students and professors as we are all so used to the usual routine of commuting to campus and attending in-person classes. As a result, it is very human to feel overwhelmed and distressed. Having said that, remember to set aside time for self-care and personal recreation, reach out to your friends and professors for help with studies and stay connected virtually while social distancing. Practicing yoga, stepping outside for a stroll, listening to good music and occasionally indulging in comfort food are good ways to take care of ourselves. Remember to be kind to yourself. Good luck!

*Thumbnail photo by Tim Gouw (Unsplashed.com)