Effects of Online Learning in this Global Quest

On January 25, a social work student from Iloilo City died of apparent suicide by

hanging himself over his modules. The student’s parents affirmed that he has been

complaining lately that he was having anxiety and depression he was not learning with his

online class. The study of Barrot, et al. entitled “Students’ online learning challenges during

the pandemic and how they cope with them: The case of the Philippines” reveals that

students encounter many circumstances with online learning, particularly those with limited

resources and poor home learning environment. Online class is ineffective as a teaching

modality. This paper will discuss the negative effects of online learning and ultimately argue

that it is ineffective.

Online class emanates unfavorable conditions to the physical and mental health of

students. Since online classes are conducted at home and with limited interactions, this

results in a trend far from active leisure activities and poor social life leading to sedentary

lifestyle and mental health issues. Screen time studies have shown that long durations in

front of a screen may cause an intense eye strain and also associates in obesity. The

conduct of online classes also increases anxiety and depression due to home confinement

along with sleep disorders. Besides, stress is also generated by day long classes, increased

screen time and piled up homework. With all these issues, student’s academic performance

may be hindered and result them to have low interest in learning with the new modality.

Indeed, it can derive that the conduct of online classes is futile due to several factors.

The young man of Iloilo touched many hearts. Although nobody expected the accident of the

poor dreamer to occur, this unfortunate happening underscores the need for an educational

system that is compassionate and sensitive to the plight of students. The onset of the online

learning has been a tremendous jolt. In consequence, it has shown to be ineffective after all.