March 10, 2020. The day that Ohio was declared to be in a state of emergency for COVID-19. The day that altered Miami University students’ lives in and out of the classroom. Coronavirus disease forced universities to send home their students and cancel all campus events. Professors and administration had to redirect their way of teaching, while students had to learn a new way of learning. Classes, lectures, labs, events and even graduation were hosted online via communication apps like Zoom. Parts of Spring Semester of 2020 were done in homes away from classmates, friends and administration. For most, college no longer felt like college.
Fall Semester of 2020, students and faculty had the options of attending/hosting classes in person, hybrid or all online. As COVID-19 was still a threat, it was a step towards normalcy. As opinions on returning to in-person classes from students are all different, they all seem to share some similarities: learning online is difficult.
A majority of the cons of returning to in-person classes concern flexibility. Having the opportunity to wake up in your home and attend classes via Zoom is convenient and easy. If one wasn’t feeling well, it was easier to be present online than having to go on campus. Along with illnesses, since so much was unknown, professors were more understanding and the university was willing to work with students. Illnesses also spread more easily when students and administrators are together on campus. More cons consist of the inconvenience of having to go to class in bad weather and having to walk long distances across campus. Completing and learning material online and at home in a non-university environment was challenging and simply not enjoyable. Not being able to attend classes also caused a strain in meeting new friends and connecting with classmates.
Pros of returning to in-person classes mostly include the social aspects of college. Returning to campus allows us to feel together again as a university. The ability to attend office hours, supplemental instruction sessions, labs, club meetings, sporting events, etc. are essential to learning and getting the “college experience”. Some classes, such as labs that require physical touching and interactions, are more easily understood and conducted in person rather than online. Another benefit of in-person classes is developing and improving personal relationships and career building skills. Students are able to interact face-to-face and gain a better relationship with professors and peers in-person compared to online. Returning on campus allows students to take full advantage of all the facilities and enjoy Miami University’s beautiful campus. In-person classes brought back normalcy and thankfulness for all Miami has to offer.
As COVID-19 is still a threat, the university and the students have taken many precautions to go back to in-person classes. As I write on behalf of Miami University’s students and administration, the education and campus are one of a kind. There is no place we would rather be and returning to in-person classes was a blessing. Love and Honor.
