My experience with virtual learning

18 | DIARY OF A VET STUDENT

OPINION

19 | LOVE & HEARTBREAK

Assignment and lecture delivery alternatives may add to the existing academic struggles faced by university students. CREDIT: PEXELS

My experience with virtual learning

The transition from in-person classes to online lectures has necessitated independence and reliable internet access

MEHAK MOHINDRU

As in previous years, most of us are cramming for midterms around this time. This year, however, the ways in which we study are quite different due to social adaptations taken during the pandemic.

Some professors have opted out of traditional midterm exams, instead choosing alternatives like take-homes or bigger assignments, since virtual examinations can be a hassle and people can encounter technical difficulties. Along with changes to the midterm structure, students and staff alike have had to adapt to many other changes including a different campus experience and new learning methods. Although most changes are for the benefit of the students, in my experience virtual learning has been challenging.

One of the main issues I’ve found is that this semester has been so fast-paced compared to previous semesters. In an Instagram poll by The Ontarion, 75 per cent of respondents agreed that online learning does in fact feel more fast-paced than in-person learning. It seems that without in-person classes and physically being on campus every day, it requires so much more time and effort to study for midterms and complete assignments. I think mental exhaustion can be accounted for in this situation, but I do believe there is more to the story as to why it is so fast-paced.

In my experience, since the transition to virtual learning it’s been difficult to grasp course concepts — especially when given shorter deadlines to submit assignments. At this point I feel I’ve been completing assignments and writing midterms without a proper understanding of each course. Learning has become quite independent and while I am sure it wasn’t intentional, it feels as though I am my own teacher.

In a Twitter poll, The Ontarion found that over half of students polled preferred the real-time interaction of synchronous learning over asynchronous. However, some professors chose not to follow the synchronous route of teaching, instead opting to upload pre-recorded videos for the lectures. This doesn’t allow for interactions with our professors, unless appointments are made. It also doesn’t allow us to be in the same place as our peers and professors where we can discuss the course information. This style of learning has ultimately been a test in one’s ability to self-regulate.

Learning has become quite independent and while I am sure it wasn’t intentional, it feels as though I am my own teacher.

I would imagine that virtual learning can get really difficult for students who don’t have proper working, or slow-working Wi-Fi. Unreliable internet access makes it difficult to talk to professors or complete assignments when learning virtually. Technical issues may vary from student to student, but overall they are troubling and can interfere with learning. For example, I have used Zoom and experienced glitches in the program which interfere with communication.

At this time, I am still adapting to the virtual learning lifestyle as I try to grasp that this is our new reality, rather than a temporary fix. For the most part, I feel as though professors and faculty completely understand that many students are still adapting to the situation as they are also in the same boat, but in all honesty I feel that the fast speed of the semester is rapidly making it more overwhelming than it should be. I am sure that students overall will be better adapted for the winter semester and will feel less overwhelmed once they’ve gotten into the habit of virtual learning and time management.