Student Perspective: Online students are missing out on everything

Linette Garcia | Contributing Writer

As the new school year kicks off, I find myself with an extreme case of FOMO as an online student. 

While on-campus students are packing their belongings to move into their FIU dorms or speed walking all over campus to meet up with friends or go to campus events, I’m in my pajamas at 11 a.m., scrolling on Canvas in the comfort of my bed—it’s like Covid never ended.

The reality is that being an online student is the loneliest thing you can ever be.

Just like my previous semesters at FIU, I will again miss the fundamental college experiences and opportunities. I’ve mourned my losses of being able to attend local games, learning in physical classrooms and socializing with could’ve-been peers.

Ever since Covid-19, our college experiences have been interrupted. Adjusting to virtual learning took us some time, and even now, many of us are still finding our footing.

Our education and well-being notably suffered under online learning. Some of our majors didn’t transition well to the new format, and our motivation to adapt to the online environment steadily declined. 

As someone who has experienced both virtual and in-person learning, I’ve felt firsthand the lasting negative impact that arises in the absence of traditional schooling. 

The isolation from learning solely through a computer took a significant mental and social toll. To this day, I am still learning how to effectively use my limited resources to make this journey worth it. 

The quality of education for online students was below standard. According to a survey conducted by the Community College Student Engagement, online-only students were 50% less likely to work with their peers, 55% less likely to engage with their instructors, and 58% less likely to discuss ideas with the class—as an online student, that sounds about right.

Additionally, the social aspect of college life takes a hit—relationships with professors and fellow students can feel virtually nonexistent due to the lack of attendance on campus. 

Without these vital interactions, we lose a part of ourselves that is only learned through understanding others.

So, how exactly can online students have a typical college experience? 

Maybe it’s about finding small ways to connect, even if we’re apart: joining online study groups, attending virtual events hosted by FIU, attending FIU football games or participating in virtual tours. 

Being a solitary online student at FIU may not look like the traditional college experience, but it doesn’t have to be any less valuable. We just have to be creative in our online learning journey and make the best out of it.

DISCLAIMER:

The opinions presented on this page do not represent the views of the PantherNOW Editorial Board. These views are separate from editorials and reflect individual perspectives of contributing writers and/or members of the University community.