Online VS In-Person Learning

For the past few months, the school functioned under a "hybrid system" of sorts, students are given the choice between online and in-person learning. With different mediums naturally comes different methods and degrees of effectiveness. That poses the question: exactly which medium is better?

Online learning

With more accessibility also comes more sleep. Online learners all study during AM classes, but since they don't have to prepare themselves like in-person students do, they can afford waking up later in the day. (I admit, this is something I exploit a lot.) Even a few extra minutes of sleep can do wonders for brain activity. (Don't take my word for it, though; I'm no professional.)

Lastly and arguably most notably, online learning is far more comfortable than in-person learning. This can serve as a double-edged sword depending on the student, but it's worth noting how a more relaxed environment can increase critical thinking and better basic cognitive functions. The familiarity of home discourages stress, which in turn promotes mental clarity. Additionally, the freedom and agency involved in choosing the conditions surrounding class (location, background noise/music, sitting position, etc.) for the day can also provide the brain the illusion of choice, making the student more productive now that they think they chose to learn.

In-Person Learning

The strictly-disciplined classrooms of in-person learning can be stifling for many, but it's in that quiet, unassuming environment that private schooling systems excel.

Classrooms are disciplined but not sterile, bursting with life and community-and that brings us to the first pro of in-person learning: friends. In-person learning gives ready access to friends just across the classroom, all of them within eyesight. You can see them struggling with you, laughing with you, growing bored with you, having fun with you. It brings life to an otherwise cold environment.

Teachers are also right in front of you and ready at hand, making communication much easier. You can simply raise your hand and ask your question, not having to fear a long wait as your question sits idly in chat or being disruptive by unmuting your microphone.

Finally, physically being in school can lead to more productivity. School is a place for studying specifically; you can play around there, but you know that's not it's main purpose. Your brain is already accustomed to that. So, when you arrive at school, your brain automatically switches to "study mode". School is not a multipurpose environment like home, so you don't have to fear distractions while sitting in the classroom. (I hear the chairs are rather uncomfortable, but sacrifices are necessary for increased productivity.)

Both systems have their strengths and weaknesses, and each person is unique in what they need to function at their best. To some, the distractions of online learning are trivial, and the comfort it provides outweighs any communication issue it might pose. For others, the privilege to see and learn among their peers and the professionalism brought about by a classroom makes in-person learning the obvious choice. In the end, it's just an opinion, and opinions always vacillate.

(Bear in mind our school is a private school, which is specifically designed with in-person learning in mind. This already gives in-person learning an edge and stifles a number of the qualities that make online learning so effective. Regardless, it's interesting to explore the effects of each medium on our education-both to further our own efforts in making our learning experience better and to satiate our own curiosity.)

As semester one draws to a close, the school's latest introduction of hybrid learning for next semester combines both online and in-person learning. This gives a chance for students to receive the best of both worlds. No matter the environment, how well you perform is ultimately up to you...for better or for worse.

- Sarah T.