Today’s EDCI 336 class centered around the pros and cons of remote learning (online) and in participating in this discussion I was able to reflect on some of my own experiences with online schooling.

My first year of university was unique in that all of my classes were online due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. Without a doubt I can say that my education suffered greatly last year and I hope to never again have to do online learning. What I found most frustrating about online classes was the complete disconnection between my social interactions with my professors and classmates. I’m someone who enjoys collaborating with others on school work and it’s very difficult to do that in an online setting. I also found that a lot of the professors neglected the “teaching” aspect all together and simply gave out assignments, labs, quizzes etc. without checking in on our learning progress.

Even though I had many struggles with online learning I do still recognize the benefits IF the teaching is done properly. Remote learning allows for a flexible schedule especially with completely asynchronous classes as students can decide what time is convenient for them to do work. Another key positive element to online school is that all of the lectures should be recorded so everyone is able to go back and listen in case they missed or don’t understand something. I can’t lie it was also nice being able to do school in my pajamas all last year!

Remote learning can be extremely successful but only if it’s approached with an engaging and meaningful context. Finding ways to get students actively participating is important whether that be through breakout pods or even holding mini study sessions. The classes I had the most fun in last year were the ones where I actually had the chance to build relationships with my professor and fellow students.

Cheers:)

-Lucas