By James Hartley
Twitter @ByJamesHartley
University of Texas at Arlington students prefer in-person learning to online classes, according to an informal survey of current students.
Of the 24 students that responded, 14 said they prefer in-person education. They said learning in a classroom helps them hold a more structured schedule, participate with fewer complications, keep track of assignments due and they feel like they’re getting the education they paid for.
Of the nine students who prefer online, most said it makes their schedule more flexible. That allows them to build their class schedule around changing work schedules and avoid taking the time to drive to campus.
The University of Texas at Arlington, like most other universities across the United States, is offering almost entirely online classes in an effort to curb the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic.
While some classes are still held on campus, many larger classes are required to be online to accommodate social distancing guidelines. Other classes are online by the choice of the professors.
The university has had a total of 199 confirmed coronavirus cases since March 14, according to its website. The men’s basketball team had to put all its activities on pause after some players tested positive for the virus, according to the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.
Takato Okunoya, an international student and a senior, said he feels online is safer and easier for him.
“Online classes are clearer and simpler to understand for international students,” Okunoya said.
Still, most students who responded to the survey said they feel they are not getting the most out of their education in online classes.
Jeff Esakov, a graduate student taking two classes this semester, said he feels like professors are less interested when classes are online.
“Online learning feels like I’m not getting what I’m paying for,” he wrote in his response to the survey. “I don’t feel like my education is as important and I’m not learning as well as in-person.”
James Hartley 