Should students have the option to attend class via Zoom or in-person? There could be benefits.
By LOGAN MERIWETHER, student reporter
Should Northwestern students be allowed to choose whether they attend class via Zoom or in person?
There are benefits and negatives to both sides like most things. During the COVID-19 pandemic this could be a great deal for student and faculty safety. We would still have the same amount of students on class, and also have the chance to lower in person in class numbers.
This could also be beneficial for students attendance if a student cannot make it to class that day they could have the option to attend virtually and not miss class discussion or assignments. A negative can be that students won’t apply themselves to their work like they would in class, but that lies on the students if you choose to attend class through Zoom you need to be able to keep up with your homework and attend class regularly. Students that attend through Zoom also need to make sure they have everything they need to complete assignments, if they are a Mass Communications major they would need to make sure they can do Photoshop assignments or assignments where a computer is needed.
Another option could be to spilt classes in half and one half attends class in person for a week or two weeks. While the other half attends class through zoom. This would cut down the number of students in person at one time, allowing for more distance in the classroom and on campus. Assignments and tests could be staggered where students in class can do homework that has to be turned in the classroom or done on a school computer. Where a students that is on Zoom can turn in their assignments through email. When it is time for a test all students will meet that day in class and take it and then they will continue with their normal schedule.
When finals rolled around Northwestern could implement a new learning schedule for students where they were all back in class the final week together so they can study and prepare for their tests. This way the school would not have to have different final times from what they are already set at and they can be done properly so students wouldn’t be allowed to cheat.
Students that are online will have to apply themselves while the teacher is not right in front of them and will need to make sure to ask questions or schedule a Zoom time after class so they can receive additional help. Every student no matter if they were in Zoom or in class should be trying their best to do well in their classes and get a quality education, because they are paying for that education.
This could be a great way to lower the odds of getting COVID-19 on campus. With the smaller in class numbers and the ability to have more separation in the classroom, could help keep students safe.