To be honest, it’s difficult to choose a preference between attending classes physically or virtually because both have their pros and cons.
As someone who studied Chemistry, there are some courses, like analytical or organic chemistry, that couldn’t have been taught virtually, let alone the many, many practicals we do in the chemistry field. In fact, chemistry as a course is one where students almost lock themselves away, spending day after day in the laboratory. Lol.
I remember during our final year project work, some of my coursemates almost slept in the laboratory overnight because they needed to titrate every 30 minutes for ten hours to get the results they hoped for. And I? Well, I had to carry some of my samples home. If I had to stay awake all night, I’d rather do that within the comfort of my room than spend the night inhaling God-knows-what chemicals.
Quite honestly, I like it. The early morning classes, oh, I remember the lecturer who would fix his classes for 6:00 AM. It wasn’t the most convenient, but to be frank, I don’t think I would have had it any other way.
Perhaps it was just my school that took things seriously because I’ve interacted with other chemistry students from other schools, and it wasn’t that serious at all. But rather than seeing it as a disturbance, I see it as a blessing to have been able to attend a school where I studied chemistry not only theoretically but also practically.
So, aside from the fact that my course of study required physical presence, I also personally prefer physical classes most days.
Now, I’m not gonna lie, I wasn’t the most zealous student. Ha ha. I missed classes, maybe not a lot, but decently. Because sometimes, the bed was too warm, and outside was just too cold to be out at 6:00 AM for a class.
But I loved the physical demonstration of what I was being taught. I loved interacting with my friends; in fact, I can solidly say that one of the major reasons I prefer physical classes was that I’d be able to see my coursemates. It’s always intriguing to see what each person would wear to class each day, to see my favorite lecturer, and to watch people try not to sleep in some lecturers’ classes.
However, I must admit that the only thing I don’t like or miss about physical classes is the general cost of being outside your room. Like, outside is so expensive! You breathe? Debit alert! You yawn? Debit alert! The only thing you’ll need to spend money on for virtual classes is data.
But because I love seeing my friends and practicing actual chemistry, it makes it all worth it.
I’m pretty sure if I had studied a more theoretical course, I would never want to go to physical classes because I’d sleep off most of the time.