E-learning was originally established to support students who faced difficulties in traditional classroom environments or those who moved often. Today, online education has become common. Despite occasional E-learning days due to the snow and cold, students here at Marist actually prefer to come to school.
MHS Media conducted a poll and found that 71.4% of students preferred in-person, 14.3% preferred online, and 14.3% didn’t have a preference.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, many schools transferred entirely to online for up to two years. However, Catholic schools only went online for a period of about months. They believed it would have a negative effect on students leading to learning loss and social isolation. As a result, standardized test scores show public schools saw a decline when they were fully online, and Catholic school scores remained the same.
The majority of students believe that they learn better in person rather than online. Not only do students like physically going to school better but teachers agree as well.
“As a teacher, I can read your faces and know if you’re getting what I say. When online I can’t catch social cues. I also have a hard time with technology, finding a video and dropping it in that way I struggle with,” says Mrs. Julie Oberwise.
“I prefer in-person because it’s easier to see what is working for learning and by getting immediate feedback and as a learner it’s easier as well. Building a relationship with the students is also a major part because we teachers like what we teach but we like who we teach more,” said Mrs. Jamie Steinmetz.
Online school also has its benefits. It can allow students to learn self-discipline and independence by managing their work on their own time. Students can also complete work based on what time best works for them and at their own pace.
MHS Media conducted a poll that found 54.5% of students who preferred online school liked it better because they were able to do assignments on their own time and pace, while the other 45.5% liked online because of their home environment.
Students who have jobs may find online school very beneficial. Additionally, students who struggle with social anxiety or bullying would be more comfortable learning at home.
Teachers may like in-person better, but they have also found multiple perks with online school.
“When online I wouldn’t have to worry about dressing up and was able to complete house chores in the middle of classes,” said Oberwise.
“Sometimes there is not as much time to get all the work done in person so we require things to get done outside of the class, so it’s hard to get everything done efficiently in person,” said Steinmetz.
