With the start of the 2020-2021 school year, many students are left with an unexpected choice: whether to attend school online or in- person. This decision can be a hard one to make, especially without knowing exactly what the two types of school entail. Luckily, students unsure of which to pick can listen to the opinions of students who have experienced both.

Many students started out online and came back in-person, knowing what it is like to do both. These students have noticed some key differences between the two methods of schooling. One of the biggest changes they noticed was the differences between a classroom and bedroom setting. “I can’t really distract myself with anything anymore. This is both a good and a bad thing,” said Michael Duqua, a sophomore who came back in-person with the start of the second quarter. He also brought up an interesting insight when it comes to the materials students use to learn stating,  “Now that I’m writing my work, I’m having an easier time remembering it.” Duqua felt that in-person school was much more engaging, and that it was easier to stay on task. Another student, sophomore Tanner Flusche, shared a similar opinion being, “Online is harder to focus and retain info, while with in-person it is easier.” A huge benefit of in-person school is the social interaction, which was brought up by sophomore Neve Andrew. When asked about which type of school she preferred, she responded by saying, “I prefer in-person because I’m able to talk to friends.” The other students interviewed agreed that being able to see friends and classmates again was a big part of why they decided to go back in-person and in Flusche’s case, why he preferred it more.

While in-person school was preferred more overall, the students did bring up some things about online school that in-person lacks. Most students agreed that online school was less stressful, and that the extra time they had at home allowed them to feel less rushed while completing homework. They also shared the fact of online school being much more comfortable than in-person school. At home, students can adjust the temperature and light level of their rooms, use blankets and comfortable chairs and change their environment to their liking. The students all said these aspects of online school were appealing, but that none of them outweighed the social side of in- person school.

Most students believe both in-person and online school have their benefits and their drawbacks. While online learners enjoy a more comfortable environment and technology-based classes, in-person students feel more engaged in class and enjoy seeing people they know. As Duqua put it, “For a social life, in-person is better. For a comfortable life, it’s online. For an academic life, it can be either.” Students wondering whether to go back in-person or stay online can get plenty of information from their fellow students, and base their decision off of what they think will suit them best.