Kim Eunkyo / Department of Consumer Science
In 2020, as COVID-19 became part of our lives, everything began to change. At universities, one of the biggest changes concerned teaching methods. Normally, college classes consist of face-to-face teaching. However, during the pandemic, most classes have been conducted in a non-face-to-face manner. Non-face-to-face classes can be divided into two categories: real-time classes and recorded classes. Zoom classes are taught in real time using the video conferencing application Zoom. On the other hand, a recorded lecture is a video uploaded by a professor to the cyber campus, and students must watch it within a given period. There are various opinions on which method students prefer. Among them, face-to-face classes are better.
First, face-to-face classes have the advantage of allowing you to focus more. In the case of real-time Zoom classes, internet connections may be unstable depending on the status of Wi-Fi, and the sounds of other students may disrupt the entire class. In fact, on the online university community website Everytime, the most common reason given for students being dissatisfied with online real-time classes is that they cannot focus. In the case of recorded video classes, there is the advantage of being able to watch them several times, but there are limitations. Professors cannot notice students’ lack of understanding by evaluating their facial expressions. Also, professors are unable to ask students questions during classes. During face-to-face classes, however, professors can see their students’ expressions and realize if there are any comprehension problems. Themes can then be explained in easier terms. In addition, since communication is possible between students, opinions can be exchanged not only between professors and students but also between students, thereby further enhancing understanding and improving concentration.
Second, face-to-face classes must be taken without procrastinating. Classes are held in classrooms at fixed times, so students must attend according to class schedules. However, non-face-to-face classes are different. In the case of Zoom classes, these are rarely delayed because they are conducted in real time, but doing things other than participating in such classes is possible when cameras are aimed in a different direction to students or even turned off. In the case of video classes, the most frequent phenomenon of lecture push occurs. Since they have to be watched within a fixed period, students often just play the recordings to simply satisfy attendance requirements and postpone actually watching them until just before their exams. Or, to finish classes quickly, they are sometimes watched at twice the original speed. Doing this makes it difficult to understand and concentrate compared to lectures delivered at a normal speed.
Third, there is a bond between students. School is a place to take classes, but at the same time, it is also a place to meet various friends, seniors, and juniors; professors; learn about social life; and build relationships. In particular, in the case of universities, I think it is important to form bonds with various students through activities such as joining clubs, attending classes, MTs, and OTs to learn about conflict resolution and human relationships. However, in the case of non-face-to-face classes, especially during the pandemic, such activities are impossible. Many students have been attending school, whereas many students have never had face-to-to-face classes. It is questionable whether it is a true university experience or education when taking classes at home without building experiences and making memories through the joy of college life and all it has to offer.
Fourth, non-face-to-face classes involve more work. There are more tasks to complete than in face-to-face classes. In the case of face-to-face classes, students can meet and discuss topics in class, and various activities are possible, but in the case of non-face-to-face classes, this is generally impossible, resulting in more tasks for students to undertake in their own time. In addition, an excessive amount of assignments are set. This is bound to be a burden for students who take an average of eight classes a semester. This can also interfere with job preparation and adversely affect the employment rate of the department.
Among the three major teaching methods, the reason for preferring face-to-face classes has been explained. However, nothing is absolute, so if real-time classes, recorded classes, and face-to-face classes are utilized appropriately, students and professors will benefit. Even today, COVID-19 is restricting class methods and college life. I hope the pandemic will end soon so that we can enjoy normal school life as in the past.
Lee Joohee / Department of German Language and Literature
I prefer recorded lectures among the various ways of taking classes these days. As COVID-19 has been with us for almost two years, many students seem to have become accustomed to online lectures these days.
There are two ways to take online lectures. One is using Zoom and the other is watching recorded lectures. In my opinion, the most effective and efficient way to learn is by watching recorded lectures, at least during the COVID-19 pandemic. There are four reasons for this.
First, students can rewatch lectures. If they have a hard time understanding a topic, they can rewatch the class until they finally comprehend it. Remarkably, students can even watch recordings at a faster or slower pace. This means that recorded classes can be watched according to individuals’ different learning styles and needs. Since I decided to try my best, I will make the most of my time thanks to the benefits afforded by recorded class materials.
Second, students can save time and energy. For example, they can take a class anytime as long as they meet the deadlines. In addition, they can spend time reviewing class materials efficiently. I am sure that this helps students to develop good study habits. Also, if they miss a class, a recorded lecture can address this problem.
Third, students can ensure their safety. Many people are frightened by the possibility of catching coronavirus. To assuage this concern, recorded lectures are the best learning method during the pandemic. They help to protect students’ health. At the least, students may not be infected with COVID-19 owing to college-related activities. Many universities have decided to resume face-to-face classes, but students and faculty need to take great care during the lessons.
Lastly, as many people, including me, prefer to study remotely, professors make a great effort to make the best lectures. In other words, students do not need to worry about the quality of their classes. The quality of recorded classes has become almost the same as face-to-face classes.
As you can see, recorded lectures have lots of benefits. We are living our lives during the dangerous COVID-19 pandemic. In my opinion, we should concentrate on how to reduce the spread of the virus in our community. I think we should wait until it is safe to have face-to-face classes, once the vaccination rate is high and herd immunity has been achieved.