T17: Why come to class?--A Qualitative Look at Student’s Comparison of Video vs. In-person Class Experience

Information

Technology has facilitated the expansion of online learning. However, the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated a shift in the predominant mode of educational delivery to online platforms (Zhao & Watterston, 2021). Additionally, many instructors now make recordings of their classes available online to students. This study examines students’ perspectives on the value of in-person class experiences versus watching class videos or recordings. We qualitatively examined this issue in the context of a large, introduction to biostatistics course (enrollment 190). Nine students voluntarily participated, being assigned to one of three modalities: in-person class, class recordings, and pre-recorded videos. Students completed semi-structured interviews about their experience, then completed another cycle of modality assignment and interviews later in the semester. Our research highlights that “sense of security” (being around their peers and feeling that the professor is available) is a key factor in driving students to class. Moreover, having a structured time to learn and mental separation of work from home are factors influencing in-person preference for some. Our findings also suggest that many students view statistics more as information to grasp, rather than a subject to apply and discuss. Thus, few saw much need in discussing the content or completing an activity with peers.