A campus of a university or a college comprises a population of students living and studying in close proximity. These cultural centers are also attractive to students from around the world. Several significant foundational aspects of this unique ecosystem have been impacted by the rapid spread of Coronavirus (Covid-19), resulting in uncertainty about its impact on higher education. In response to the spread of Coronavirus, colleges and universities all over the world have canceled classes and closed their doors. As a consequence, colleges and universities in the United States are shifting to an online education model. The educational process is also increasingly being conducted online.
There is an important question about whether students perform well in 2020? Sadly, the answer is no. Classes conducted online do not provide the same immediate and regular contact with instructors and classmates as courses taught in person. Most communications are conducted via e-mail or by way of virtual discussion forums. However, it has a negative impact on a student’s ability to interact with professors, ask questions, and receive immediate assistance. Additionally, it inhibits the informal social interaction and team building that takes place in college classrooms. In concrete terms, online classes are associated with a higher number of class failures and dropouts. Researchers at the Columbia University Community College Research Center reported in July 2011 that community college students in Washington were more likely to drop online courses compared to traditional classes. It is estimated that over 90% of traditional courses were completed, while 82 percent of online courses were completed. Also, students taking online courses in the study were less likely to complete a degree or transfer to another institution. Study results from 2004 revealed that dropout rates among students who took at least one online course during the fall semester were 34 percent higher than for students who took only face-to-face courses.
Furthermore, the covid affects student mental wellbeing, since they face the computer rather than face friends in person. This reduces their enthusiasm and makes it difficult to return to school when classes reopen. Some parents have expressed concerns regarding their children’s psychological and emotional well-being amid the pandemic response measures. As a result of school closings, not only were most students’ learning modes altered but their social networks and interactions with classmates and teachers were also affected greatly. School districts and teachers will need to focus their attention on ways to support children’s social and emotional needs as they reacclimate to school and in-person learning as social distancing limitations ease.
Reference:
https://education.seattlepi.com/negative-effects-online-courses-1094.html
