Education styles have changed over the past couple of years. After the COVID-19 pandemic occurred in 2019, remote learning within the school systems has become more prominent. Schools and universities had to adapt within that time due to the closure. They ultimately were able to conduct remote learning courses with their students to continue their learning outside of school.
The University of Wisconsin-Green Bay (UWGB) offers three different classroom options, including in-person, hybrid, and online classes. In-person classes take place completely face-to-face. Students have a set class time on campus that they are responsible for attending. Hybrid courses take place on campus and online. Some classes may take place in person at a set time and some classes may be online at the student’s time or during a scheduled class time. Lastly, online courses take place completely online with no set meeting schedules, allowing the students to work at their own pace during the semester.
With the sudden shift to remote learning, professors at UWGB had to quickly adapt and modify their courses and schedules to best suit their remote students. Danielle Bina, communication professor at UWGB, says, “There is a degree of adaptation. For example, I send out a number of announcements in my online classes weekly, reminding students what is due, along with clarification and tips to help them succeed. I post additional information for my online learners, such as examples, how-to links, etc. COMM 302 has a TV news production project, which I converted to digital online.”
Remote learning comes with its own set of advantages. “Certainly a major pro is the convenience and accommodation for students who lead busy, working lives, have families or live some distance away. For some, it’s the only opportunity to earn a degree,” Bina says. UWGB is known as a “commuter campus,” meaning the majority of students live off campus and have to commute to class rather than living on campus. Having the ability to stay home and attend class online may work better for students who live further away.
From a student standpoint, remote learning has been an effective and preferred way of learning on campus. Mason Chipman, a student at UWGB, says, “A pro to remote learning for me is that I can work full time and choose when to look at my school material, and I am not set to a school schedule.” Chloe Lustila, a student at UWGB, adds another pro to remote learning, saying, “Online classes are also less stressful when taking exams/quizzes, especially when they are untimed.”
Remote learning also comes with drawbacks. “A con for me on remote learning is that the communication with the professors and other students may not be the best,” Chipman says. With remote learning, professors are not meeting with their students in person, so it creates a sense of distance and disconnect. “A con for me is that online classes are more expensive than in-person classes,” Lustila states. Additionally, there are many cons when it comes to teaching remote classes. “The cons depend on your perspective. Some learners say they prefer to engage in person in a classroom setting as it helps them connect and clarify.
The connections to professors can be helpful,” Professor Bina states. The professor-to-student relationship may weaken through online classes. There are many ways professors ensure their students are getting the help they need during remote classes. “I make myself available through various channels, starting with email. They are always welcome to request a Zoom or Teams meeting, or come into my office during office hours or by appointment,” Bina states. Technology could also be a barrier that some students may find challenging when taking online classes. Some students may not have reliable Wi-Fi at home, which may hinder their participation.
A lot of students view taking classes differently. Some like to take online classes more to be able to work at their own pace and be more available professionally. While some students like taking in-person classes more for the social aspect with other students and with their professors. After taking many in-person classes and online classes, Lustila says, “I prefer remote classes. Especially being a student who does not live on or near campus. With remote classes, I do not have to spend time driving to and from campus and attending class, allowing me to work more hours at my job as well.” Another UWGB student, Elizabeth Bretl, says, “I prefer in-person classes because as I’ve started taking more in-person classes, I see the value of being in a classroom and making connections that I would not have acquired online.”
Remote learning has continued to grow at UWGB. Offering students a new way of learning at their own convenience. “I believe remote learning serves a need, so no, I don’t think it will or should go away. The key is to strike a balance, offering students options that suit their learning needs, however, wherever, and whenever they need it,” Bina states.