A recent opinion piece expresses deep concern about the decline of traditional college experiences, attributing this shift to the rise of online courses accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The author laments the sense of disengagement and sloth that has permeated the academic landscape with students participating in class from the comfort of their homes.
The article argues that the essence of college life, characterized by in-person interaction, spontaneous connections, and vibrant campus activities, has been significantly diminished.
With a staggering 50% of college administrators planning to increase investment in online programs, the piece highlights the inevitability of a continuing trend towards virtual education.
It points to a study suggesting that nearly 90% of institutions are set to expand their online course offerings in the coming years, hinting at the grim reality that these classes are likely not going away anytime soon.
The writer nostalgically recalls their own college days at San Diego State University, where the campus atmosphere fostered a sense of community and shared experience.
“Sometimes you showed up tired and unprepared,” they note, emphasizing the authentic experiences that shaped their transformation during those formative years.
In sharp contrast, today’s students often attend classes clad in pajamas, citing an overwhelming sense of isolation that accompanies virtual learning environments.
The article also critiques online learning tools like breakout rooms, branding them as ineffective and highlighting the inadequacies of professors who often struggle with technology.
Overall, the author expresses a deep yearning for the chaotic yet thrilling life of on-campus education, where every day was an opportunity to engage, learn, and grow with peers and mentors alike.
In their view, maintaining essential interpersonal connections is paramount to the typical college experience, which is being sacrificed at the altar of convenience and accessibility.
The piece closes by posing a poignant question about the future of college engagement and what it means to earn a degree in such a detached environment.
The implications go beyond mere education, touching on the fundamental human desire for connection and communal experience that truly defines the college journey.
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