{"id":44264,"date":"2026-05-06T08:00:00","date_gmt":"2026-05-06T12:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.sinclairclarion.com\/home\/?p=44264"},"modified":"2026-05-02T11:11:30","modified_gmt":"2026-05-02T15:11:30","slug":"yourvoice-staff-share-views-on-in-person-vs-online-classes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.sinclairclarion.com\/home\/tartan-news\/2026\/05\/06\/yourvoice-staff-share-views-on-in-person-vs-online-classes\/","title":{"rendered":"YourVoice: Staff share views on in-person vs. online classes"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Professors at Sinclair College say the debate between online and in-person classes isn\u2019t as simple as choosing one over the other. Instead, many say both formats offer distinct advantages depending on the subject, teaching style and student needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kelly Joslin<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"\"
Kelly Joslin, Sinclair art professor. <\/strong>CONTRIBUTED<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Kelly Joslin, an art professor, said she values both formats equally and has seen little difference in student success between the two. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThere really wasn\u2019t as much distinction between the two in terms of student success as people often wanted to suggest,\u201d Joslin said, referencing research from her doctoral dissertation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

She added that online courses can sometimes allow for stronger one-on-one interaction through feedback and communication. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWith proper interaction\u2026you could get to know [students] very well\u2014sometimes better than you do in a lecture hall,\u201d she said. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Nadine Cichy<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"\"
Nadine Cichy, communication professor.<\/strong> CONTRIBUTED<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Communication professor Nadine Cichy shared a similar view but emphasized that engagement tends to be stronger in face-to-face settings. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cMy face-to-face classes are much more engaged\u2026 they\u2019re more likely to reach out and stay engaged for the entire semester,\u201d Cichy said. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

While she noted that online courses can still be effective, she said they often require more effort from both students and instructors to build those connections. Cichy also pointed out that courses like public speaking are easier to manage in person, where students already have an audience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Joe Czyupryn<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Math professor Joe Czupryn highlighted the importance of in-person interaction, particularly in subjects that require hands-on problem solving. <\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"\"
Joe Czyupryn, math professor at Sinclair. <\/strong>CONTRIBUTED<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

\u201cYou could go an entire semester\u2026 and have little to no interaction with some students,\u201d he said, describing one of the biggest challenges of online courses. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

He added that students may be less comfortable reaching out for help in an online setting, limiting how much instructors can support them. \u201cWith math\u2026 it\u2019s a lot easier for students to understand when they are there face to face,\u201d Czupryn said. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

He also noted that some students underestimate online classes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSome students fall into the trap of thinking online classes will be easier\u2026 and then end up struggling,\u201d he said. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Across departments, professors agree that both formats can be effective, but the success depends on student engagement and the effort they put in. Whether online or in person, instructors say the key to learning remains the same: staying involved, communicating and taking advantage of available support.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jacie Moore, reporter<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Check out more from The Clarion:<\/p>\n\n\n