Does online learning reduce critical thinking skills?
Online learning platforms have made college degrees more accessible than ever, but I'm starting to wonder if the shift toward digital classrooms is actually hurting critical thinking skills. In my own experience, I've noticed that when I take an online course, I tend to skim videos and skip readings, relying on quizzes rather than deep discussion. Three years ago, I completed a traditional in-person seminar where we debated texts for hours, and I still remember those arguments vividly—unlike anything from my recent online classes. Could it be that the convenience of remote education comes at the cost of engagement and analytical depth, or am I just missing the structure of a physical classroom?