Last week, I spent some time on the University of Colorado Denver campus talking to students about whether they were taking online college courses, and why or why not.
Even after the pandemic, online college courses remain popular. National Center for Education Statistics data shows more than half of college students take at least one online class during the school year, up from just over a third in 2019. Colorado’s numbers mirror the national average.
In my story, I quote students who prefer the flexibility of online classes. Some are juggling childcare, jobs, or activities in addition to schoolwork, and they appreciate being able to Zoom in. Others simply don’t want to fight Denver traffic.
But students are also aware when virtual learning options don’t work for them.
Read the rest of this month’s edition.
Jason Gonzales is a reporter covering higher education and the Colorado legislature. Chalkbeat Colorado partners with Open Campus on higher education coverage. Contact Jason at jgonzales@chalkbeat.org.