“Zooming to Class” – A Student’s Perspective
Written by: Alexis Rindner, Undergraduate in Economics
“Zoom University” is making its way through various social media platforms. It accurately explains how many college students are feeling right now. There is a sense of camaraderie that comes from in-person classes that is lost to video chats. This semester my classes are either fully discussion-based or performance-based, which becomes extremely limited in the Zoom format. Despite all the challenges, my professors have been highly adaptive to the online structure.
The biggest issue that I have faced, along with many of my peers, is the complete and utter lack of motivation. The format of an online class eliminates most student interaction that is not strictly educational. I am sure many professors would jump at the opportunity to remove side-conversations, but I truly believe them to be an important part of classroom activities. In small doses, they allow students to get to know one another. This interaction is part of the college experience. I know I want to go to a class more when I like my peers. Online classes also seem “fake” in a sense. No matter how hard the professor tries, it is not the same quality as in-person education. My friends and I merely feel as if we are along for the ride with a goal of finishing the semester, with not much more in mind.
Trading our classrooms for Zoom has shown me how lucky I was before. Who would have thought I would have missed waking up early, walking through the unpredictable weather, and playing Frogger on Comm Ave.? This turn of events has solidified my excitement for next semester and my gratefulness for all previous semesters. Right now, I am hoping for any sense of normalcy in the upcoming weeks along with hope for the next semester.