Because of covid-related reasons, my astronomy lab class this semester had most of their labs online, with the exception of three in-person labs, though these were optional and students had the choice of completing the alternative labs which were also online. My first year in college can’t give me enough social interactions by staying in my room all day, so I chose the in-person labs.
My first in-person lab of the semester was canceled because of a snowstorm that lasted for nearly 2 weeks. I felt a little nervous when walking to my second in-person lab thinking it would feel overwhelming seeing so many people in one room after a one-year break from traditional classes. But my expectations were quickly shot down after entering the room seeing only the lab instructor in the classroom.
No other student participated in the in-person lab.
I asked my lab instructor about how many students have previously done the in-person labs this semester, and he told me I was the only one. I enjoyed the in-person lab and left after I completed it. There was one in-person lab left, so I hoped that others would take advantage of the opportunity. Despite the attendance record, I felt optimistic because I wanted to meet new people.
The day of the final in-person lab arrived and as I walked through the door, I noticed I was, once again, the only student participating in the lab. I didn’t mind it as much this time, but I still hoped that I’d get to meet my classmates. This lab quickly became my favorite one not just because of the materials and subject but also because I learned a lot from this experience; I also got to learn more about my lab instructor.
We will often take the more convenient approach to things, despite how rewarding the less convenient approach may be.
Regarding online labs, we could complete them anytime during the week as long as we turned them in the following Monday. But with in-person labs, we only had one day to complete them and we had to be on campus to do so. If given the option, it’s obvious that students would pick the one where they could complete the assignment on their own accord.
But they don’t gain the same experience by choosing that option. They’re less likely to retain any of the information by choosing the obvious option because of how uneventful it was.
I remember the in-person labs more vividly compared to my online labs because of everything else that was associated with them: the smell, the physical objects, the personal connections with others, etc. I also got a perfect grade on all my in-person labs while I made a few (or a lot) mistakes on my online labs. Perhaps it was because I had a direct point of contact in my in-person labs that would easily answer my questions. As for online labs, don’t expect to receive much feedback after 10 pm.
Regardless, each option has their advantages and disadvantages. But if given the option, I’ll always pick the one that rewards me with a more eventful experience. I’m paying a lot of money for these classes, so I must make the investment worth my time and energy.
Hopefully by next semester I’ll get to see my classmates more often.
TAKEAWAY: The convenient approach is not always the best approach.
Here’s my inspiration for the day.