Many students are returning to campus for the first time post pandemic. The classroom for some is no longer the comfort of one’s bed or couch, but inside a classroom with other fellow students.
The environment has changed for many, it’s something many students aren’t used to after all this time.
Citrus College student Jessica Arenas said being on-campus has been more beneficial and more motivating than being online.
“I’m definitely more motivated than when we were online,” Arenas said. “I think it’s that I’m getting to see classmates again and getting to have conversations again, that’s doing it for me.”
Arenas may be more motivated to be on campus, but that doesn’t mean being on-campus is more convenient for fellow students, Arenas said.
“It’s a little easier for me to be online than on-campus, but only because of the drive. I live in Whittier, so it’s a good 40-minute drive each way.”
Citrus College student Matthew Pulley, says he enjoys being on campus simply because of socializing with other fellow students.
“I’d definitely agree in person it is better if I had to pick, for the simple reason being I miss interacting with other peers and the socialization aspect of campus,” Pulley said
Students who are on campus have taken notice of how people are interacting with each other, which is something that was so common not long ago.
“I’ve personally noticed that students are generally happier to be back in classes mingling with each other in person rather than responding in an online setting, ” Arenas said. I’m still taking a few online classes along with in-person ones and there’s a clear difference between interaction of students in online classes versus in class.”
Fitness Center Attendant for the Department of Continuing Education Peter Chavarria has taken notice of student interaction.
“I’ve noticed the natural socialization of students grouping together to solve class materials and assignments, I think with online learning it’s a little harder to do so because there’s less organic based interactions,” Chavarria said.
Pulley believes that online courses can be difficult due to some of the untimely responses instructors have.
“You can ask teachers directly in person rather than waiting for a delayed response through canvas as teachers can have thousands of emails per day from students from all kinds of classes, faculty and whatever else they receive,” Pulley said. “So I definitely believe that in person has its advantages.”
Arena said she finds it convenient being in an in-person class due to the quick responses she needs to succeed while finding that being in the classroom gives her the essential gratification to move forward.
“I find it easier to learn course material on campus rather than online,” Arenas said. “It’s faster to get a response from the professors when you need clarification or something.”
