VT Works

The shift to virtual learning, accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, has had a profound impact on how humans learn across the globe. While learning on this medium has certainly opened doors for flexibility and accessibility, it has also posed significant challenges that may be hindering educational progress in the long term.

And just so we’re clear, I’m not here to be a judge; rather, to simply share my musings of the last few months.

In stepping back to consider virtual leaning in it’s entirety, one fact really struck me: it’s a topic much more polarized than you may have imagined. The cynics of the world are quick to mention how the virtual experience is dramatically changing the landscape of learning, which is a fair point; while the interweb advocates are strong in their own right, exclaiming they would not have even a fraction of the learning opportunities if in-person attendance was required.

Both very valid perspectives.

One of the most apparent roadblocks is the difficulty in maintaining student engagement. In a traditional lecture setting, presenters can interact directly with students, monitor their reactions, and adjust lessons in real-time. However, virtual learning often relies on pre-recorded lessons, webinars, and digital assignments, which can feel impersonal and disengaging for the listener. Without the immediate feedback and social presence of a physical classroom, it would seem reasonable to expect some to struggle to maintain focus.

You do remember focus, don’t you? It’s a skill most of us learned before the distractions and temptation of cell phones, the 24 hour news cycle, and social media ever interfered with our lives.

Additionally, virtual learning demands a higher degree of self-motivation, an adaptability to learning that may be less structured, and independent time management. While some students thrive in this autonomous environment, many others struggle. Without the immediate live presentation or the accountability of lecturemates, procrastination would seem to be on the table as a serious problem. In a pure academic setting, this lack of live structure may lead to missed assignments, incomplete work, and a decline in overall academic performance. For those who are already struggling, these difficulties are compounded, creating significant roadblocks to their educational success.

And then there’s the practical side.

Do our eyes benefit from staring at a screen for hours on end with our camera off, pretending we’re paying attention, even though we no longer have to leave the comfort of our own home (or bed) to attend a seminar? You can now join from anywhere, which is perfect for anyone who prefers to attend a “global” event while simultaneously muting their mic and Googling the speaker’s name to make sure they’re not just regurgitating information you could find on Wikipedia. Don’t worry; it’s totally fine if you don’t remember a single thing by the end—just hit the “record” button and tell yourself you’ll watch the replay later (spoiler: you probably won’t).

On the flip side of that coin, though, virtual learning is truly a gift, especially when it comes to planning flexibility and crazy schedules. With online courses, you get to decide when and where you study. Late-night study sessions in your pajamas? Sure. Morning coffee with a side of lectures? Absolutely. It’s perfect for those who thrive on chaos, juggling work, family, and a social life, all while attempting to absorb a year’s worth of content in a weekend.

Of course, the accessibility factor is a dream, too. No need to worry about crowded airports, uncooperative weather, or the inconvenience of physically attending a class. You can learn from the comfort of your couch (or bed, or kitchen table) or anywhere with an internet connection. And since these courses are available globally, it’s wonderful for those who want to join top-tier programs that they’d never be able to attend in person – like the one that costs a fraction of the price and still requires the same amount of attention and self-discipline.

Virtual classes have no travel involved (not counting a trip to kitchen to refill your coffee cup), which can be a true win for your bank account. Lower registration fees (usually)? Check. Minimal travel expense? Check. The ability to attend class in your underwear? Check. Who knew education could be so budget-friendly while still offering the same level of distraction that your kitchen counter or bedroom provides?

But what about human interaction?

Human interaction in learning isn’t just about exchanging answers or pretending to care about the next PowerPoint slide—it’s about feeling connected. Virtual seminars try to simulate this with chatrooms and emoticons, but let’s be honest—there’s nothing quite like the live, in-the-flesh moment when a student asks a really dumb question and the whole class genuinely laughs with the participant, and then you all learn something in the process. Lately, it seems that human interaction is the thing we all pretend we don’t need until we find ourselves locked in our homes, attending yet another virtual seminar in our pajamas while eating cereal we found in the back of our pantry. In a Zoom meeting, you can’t even hear the awkward chuckles, and you’re probably just staring at the tiny thumbnail of the lecturer, wondering if they can tell you’ve already mentally checked out. You know, like when an in-person presenter notices the audience zoning out and throws in a quick personal anecdote to get you back on track, or when a peer shoots you a look of solidarity because, yes, you both still have no idea what the presenter is talking about.

We have all been there.

In the end, online learning seems to be here to stay, unless someone unplugs the internet, which seems unlikely. We are all free to pick our proverbial poison and set ourselves up for leaning success. Clearly, there are two very different paths available, and you can decide which works best for your style of learning.

Before jumping to a decision, though, ask yourself this question: Do we attend an in-person educational event for the human interaction and live educational experience, or do we sit at home texting a friend about the latest Netflix binge, with a lecture playing in the background?

I’m not here to be a judge.