Online vs. In-Person Classes for the Fall 2021 Semester

Photo by Charlotte May.

Words by Elena Johnson.

For many of us CCNY students, fully remote online classes began about two years ago, in March 2020, and have been the only method of learning since. Finally, this semester, the campus is open, and we can return to our learning spaces in-person. Yet some of us are still enrolled in fully online classes. The Campus asked a handful of students about their preferences between in-person and online classes this semester and found that while some students may be ready to be back in the classrooms, most students prefer the flexibility and comfort of being online.

“I have been waiting for online classes my entire life halle-freaking-lujah! Distance learning has been the best thing to happen to me because of the pandemic!” Wrote one senior respondent at CCNY.

 Worrying about train delays or bad weather has surely not been missed, with many students finding themselves more productive and having more time in the day, particularly by avoiding the commute to campus. Our survey found that people with social anxiety have especially benefited from online classes, not having to worry about their physical presence and instead having multiple ways to participate online.

 “There’s more flexibility with my schedule learning online,” said a senior respondent, “For me, online classes make school more manageable because I don’t have to worry about getting there and back. I also have more time to do my work.”

 Some students also feel safer learning remotely during this pandemic, even with the vaccine mandate. Others simply favor the convenience of online classes. One senor respondent mused, “Vaccinated or not, global pandemic or not, I will always choose an online class if available.”

While many seniors are satisfied with online classes, the newer undergraduates are not as excited about it. Sophomores, whose first college classes were online in Fall 2020, feel as though they are missing out. Social interaction is lacking and younger undergraduates feel less productive and more distracted. “Sitting at home all day isn't conducive to learning,” said Raghib Mohammed Hossain, a sophomore who cannot wait to be on campus.

Hopefully we will see more options for online, hybrid, and in-person learning in future semesters. But for now, younger undergraduates may be able to resolve their fear of missing out by seeing what the campus has to offer.

Whenever in-person classes return in their entirety, fully online classes will, more likely than not, be missed.

Note: some names are omitted because the respondents chose to remain anonymous.