Pros and cons of online learning

Summary

The student ambassadors of Ryerson University discuss the pros and cons of online learning. They highlight benefits such as flexibility in scheduling, the comfort of home environments, and increased personal time. However, they also address challenges like feelings of isolation, lack of separation between work and personal life, and the overwhelming nature of constant screen time. To combat these issues, they offer advice on staying connected with peers, organizing work weekly, setting boundaries for schoolwork, and utilizing savings from reduced commuting costs. Their insights aim to support current and future students navigating online education.

Takeaways

• 😀 Online learning provides flexibility, allowing students to wake up just before class starts.
• 😀 Many students appreciate the ability to prepare healthy meals instead of relying on quick snacks.
• 😀 A comfortable workspace with personal amenities, like comfy chairs and multiple monitors, enhances the online learning experience.
• 😀 Students can attend lectures from various locations, promoting a change of scenery and reducing feelings of confinement.
• 😀 The absence of commuting saves time and allows for more family interactions, which many students find valuable.
• 😀 Online learning can lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness due to the lack of physical interactions with peers.
• 😀 The blurring of boundaries between school and personal life can make it difficult to manage workload and create a productive environment.
• 😀 Increased screen time contributes to fatigue and anxiety, making it important to establish regular breaks and check schedules frequently.
• 😀 Staying connected with classmates through group chats and virtual study sessions can help combat feelings of isolation.
• 😀 Students are encouraged to practice self-care and set boundaries, such as dedicating evenings to hobbies and relaxation.

Q & A

What is the main topic discussed by the student ambassadors?

The student ambassadors discuss the pros and cons of online learning, sharing their experiences and offering advice for current and future students.

What are some pros of online learning mentioned by the ambassadors?

Pros include flexibility in waking up before class, the ability to study in a comfortable environment, the option to attend classes from various locations, more family time, and access to pre-recorded lectures.

How has online learning affected students' routines?

Students have found that online learning allows them to save time on commuting, enabling them to prioritize self-care activities like making breakfast and exercising.

What are some of the cons of online learning mentioned?

Cons include feelings of suffocation due to lack of separation between work and personal life, isolation from classmates, increased screen time leading to mental fatigue, and anxiety over missing deadlines.

How do the ambassadors suggest overcoming feelings of isolation?

They recommend staying connected with classmates through group chats and virtual study sessions to foster a sense of community and collaboration.

What advice is given regarding managing schoolwork?

The ambassadors advise organizing tasks on a weekly basis to manage time effectively and reduce feelings of being overwhelmed.

What strategies did one ambassador use to create a mental switch between study and relaxation?

One ambassador mentioned using the act of getting out of bed as a trigger to turn on work mode and only allowing themselves to switch it off when getting back into bed.

What resources do first-year students at Ryerson have to meet others online?

They have access to virtual study halls and learning pods through their faculties, which help them connect with peers and form study groups.

What financial advice do the ambassadors give to students?

They encourage students to take advantage of the savings from reduced commuting costs and consider how to use those funds wisely, especially for tuition and living expenses.

What is a recommended self-care practice mentioned in the discussion?

Going for walks during the day is suggested as a way to refresh the mind and break the monotony of being indoors and staring at a screen.