According to the Student Voice Survey from Fall 2024 and Spring 2025, students not only preferred in-person classes, but they also completed them at higher rates, as the Chronicle previously reported. Last spring, the college offered 1,311 in-person classes compared to just 99 online and 31 hybrid, underscoring a strong return to the classroom.
When COVID-19 hit in Spring 2020, only 5% of classes were fully online. By Fall, the number of online courses jumped to 72%.
Five years later, the college has returned to nearly the same percentage as before COVID-19, offering just a fraction of its courses online. One of the reasons, according to the college, is that students do better when a class is in-person.
This shift reflects what students need — and want. It is pertinent that the college continues to prioritize in-class instruction.
Being able to connect with your professors and other students is vital to learning, especially in creative fields where collaboration is key.
It’s important, however, to acknowledge that some students find value in online and hybrid learning options, particularly for flexibility and balancing other responsibilities. That is especially true in the summer when the majority of Columbia’s courses are offered online.
Online courses can be a better option for some students, especially for those with lengthy commutes or jobs. Students with disabilities may also benefit from virtual classes.
That’s why the college should continue to offer some online and hybrid options to better serve diverse student needs.
But it also means students need to take advantage of their learning by showing up for classes and planning their commutes to be on time, which will better prepare them for the work force. It’s just good practice to start to build that kind of work ethic.
Working alongside classmates also gives students practice in the same types of collaboration they’ll encounter in the workplace. Group discussions, team projects and spontaneous problem-solving are opportunities to build communication, adaptability and leadership skills that employers value.
In-person learning drives connection and success. Flexibility matters, but face-to-face remains essential for students.
Copy edited by Brandon Anaya
