Pros and Cons of Virtual Learning 

Kimora Malave ‘25

Ever since Covid-19, many schools have had no choice but to utilize online classrooms and video calls. Students may say they really disliked virtual learning, however, some may say otherwise. Let’s take a deeper dive into the pros and cons of virtual learning.

The “at-home classroom” has created many opportunities and accommodations in students’ schedules. In 2020, more than 50% of students felt they could work at their own pace and were less stressed. Over 50% of students finished schoolwork earlier and had more leisure time.  Almost 80% of students found assigned work to be reasonable and appropriate to understand. These three statements have shown control and the ability over the students’ scheduling and organization. When it came to keeping in touch with teachers, over 50% of students found this feasible [1].

Some positive feedback on virtual learning, according to Mattie Morley ‘25, “Virtual learning was a much different way of learning. I learned not only what I would normally learn in school, but also how to manage my homework better.” Caroline White ‘25, adds on with, “I liked virtual learning because I was able to get more sleep which helped me focus more and I also had more freedom in my own home.” Here creates a happy medium compromise between the students’ desires while completing the curriculum requirements. 

Nearly 80% of teachers found it difficult to keep their students determined and on top of their work. When taking virtual classes, students are isolated and possibly distracted. In addition, they have little physical socialization with peers. This prevents building friendships and how a fellow student depicts you. A household pulse survey was conducted and results determined, “Around 1 in 10 of the poorest children in the U.S. has little or no access to technology for learning” [2]. In impoverished areas and families, providing the required stable internet and devices for students may be difficult. Being that students did schooling from home, it could permit cheating, along with assisted help on assessments and personal assignments [3].

According to Ava S. ‘25, “I liked in-person schooling because I can see my friends.” Another Ridge freshman argued, “I dislike virtual schooling because I can’t talk to my friends, no one participated except me, and I’m staring at the computer all day.” This shows that the impacts and importance of in-person interaction amongst students and peers is integral. It can be frustrating to go to online school without talking to friends verbally, being that a lot of students are quiet and not participating in their classes. 

I believe virtual learning at Ridge High School should be an option, as some students do prefer it and perform better outside of the school setting. For some, schedule preparation is very important if they have jobs to work after school for lengthy periods of time. Ridge High School should find a common ground between virtual and in person: hybrid learning. This allows for much needed social activity and assessment-taking in person, while students still get the privilege to take on responsibilities and pick priorities. High school students can prepare for adulthood by making decisions and improving time management skills to suit their own needs.

 

[1] https://www.tesd.net/cms/lib/PA01001259/Centricity/Domain/1/Distance%20Learning%20Survey%20Results.pdf 

 

[2] https://www.brookings.edu/blog/education-plus-development/2020/06/22/unequally-disconnected-access-to-online-learning-in-the-us/ 

 

[3] https://ineducationonline.org/2021/02/12/virtual-learning-versus-in-person-what-are-the-pros-and-cons-2/