As a campaigner for the return of in-person teaching at universities, my view is that online teaching is a pale imitation of being in the room – it robs students of opportunities to engage with real people in the physical world.
I believe students are being encouraged into the idea that online teaching is normal and good for them – yet in reality the main reason they accept it is because it enables them to binge watch lectures at irregular hours, and is “easier” than going to a lecture hall in accordance with a weekly structured timetable.
As a parent, I send my children away to university in the hope that it will broaden their horizons – not to turn them into online teaching “zombies” who barely leave their bedrooms.
