In recent weeks, I’ve been asked a question that seems to be on many minds: is online learning effective? To be honest, I don’t feel entirely qualified to give a definitive answer. While I do teach online, the experience varies so much from class to class that it’s impossible to give online education a blanket thumbs up or thumbs down. But what about the students? How do they perceive it? To find out, I spoke with 25 of my university students about their experiences during their first semester of remote learning.

Do Students Prefer Online or In-Class Learning?

When asked whether they preferred online or in-class learning, 75% of students favored in-person classes. The main reasons cited were:

• It’s easier to concentrate in a classroom setting.
• They feel more motivated to study.
• They miss in-class discussions and real-time teacher feedback.
• They dislike prolonged screen time.

Only 15% preferred online learning, mainly due to the lack of a commute and the ability to plan their own schedule. The remaining 10% said they’d like a mix of both.

Takeaway: While students generally prefer face-to-face learning, online education is still in its infancy. It will be interesting to see how perceptions shift over time.

Do Students Enjoy Video Lessons?

Video lessons — via Zoom, Teams, etc. — are a key part of online learning, but opinions are divided. 45% of students disliked them, citing poor internet connection, technological problems, shyness, chaotic discussions, and noisy environments. Others found them frustrating because few students actively participated.

However, 55% enjoyed video lessons — especially when there were fewer than six students in a seminar. The most popular reasons were comfort, the similarity to in-person lessons, and the sense of being truly “in class.”

Takeaway: Online seminars work best with smaller groups, but they often lack the energy of in-person discussions. Many teachers replace them with written assignments to avoid chaos.

What Are the Best Aspects of Online Learning?

Over 80% of students highlighted increased freedom and time management as key benefits, with 50% specifically appreciating the lack of a commute. Other common responses included:

• A more comfortable studying environment
• The ability to record and rewatch lessons
• Shorter breaks between classes
• More flexible schedules
• Attending lessons in pajamas

Takeaway: The practical advantages of online learning — convenience, comfort, and flexibility — are clear. The challenge lies in balancing these with the intangible benefits of in-person learning.

What Are the Downsides of Online Learning?

The biggest complaints were:

• 60%: Procrastination
• 40%: Lack of support when struggling with material
• 30%: Technical issues
• 30%: Limited communication with teachers

Other concerns included excessive reading tasks, lack of engagement, missing classmates, increased screen time causing fatigue, and an overall sense of learning less.

Takeaway: Online learning lacks built-in accountability. To succeed, it needs better motivation systems for both students and teachers.

How Can Teachers Improve Online Learning?

Students were divided: 25% wanted more video lessons, while another 25% wanted them eliminated altogether. Other suggestions included:

• More pre-recorded lectures
• Additional study materials
• More engaging videos and presentations
• Better organization from teachers
• Audio scripts for lectures
• Increased teacher oversight to ensure student participation

Takeaway: Many educators mistake online platforms for the educational method rather than just the communication tool. Better content creation is needed.

Should Online Learning Continue?

• 75% want less online teaching, citing motivation issues and a preference for in-person interaction.
• 15% prefer more online learning due to its convenience.
• 5% favor a hybrid model with recorded lectures for sick students.
• 5% prefer a single format, as mixing both can be difficult to manage.

Takeaway: A blended model with increased digital integration seems likely for the future.

Has Anything About Online Learning Been Surprising?

Student responses varied widely:

• “We got more homework because teachers overcompensated.”
• “Technology is unreliable.”
• “I became surprisingly lazy.”
• “Studying online sometimes felt like not studying at all.”
• “More students attended online classes than in-person ones.”
• “It was more similar to in-class learning than expected.”
• “I learned more due to fewer distractions.”
• “I never thought I’d actually want to go back to school!”

Conclusion

Online learning presents a mixed bag of benefits and challenges. While students appreciate the flexibility and time saved, they struggle with motivation, engagement, and the lack of face-to-face interaction. Technology, when reliable, can enhance the learning experience, but it cannot fully replicate the energy of an in-person classroom. Moving forward, a blended approach — combining the best of both worlds — seems to be the most promising path. The real test will be whether online education can evolve to provide the same level of interaction, accountability, and inspiration that traditional classrooms offer.