Distance learning is an even more radical shift for international students. Moving abroad and holing up means a new generation of university students begin their higher education with zero campus life. Stale debates about online learning’s efficacy have been replaced by practical discussions about implementing and improving the online experience. Higher education remains a main attraction in the US for international students. The pandemic will almost certainly change that forever.
John interviews international Emory student from China, Edward Xue. Edward came from Shanghai to Atlanta and experienced both a full dose of campus and distance learning in only a few months.
What does distance learning mean for students with little or no campus experience? John and Edward discuss a full range of issues about the impact of learning during a pandemic: the experience of moving abroad for a remote college experience, socializing and building friendships online, how universities are seeking to replicate the campus virtually, the relative importance of campus life to the total value offered through university education, the role of gumption in online models, the unique study space needs facing students, the challenges of being separated from families and peers, time management challenges, living abroad in unknown neighborhoods and cities, the pandemic’s effect changing long term planning and short term expectations, the impact of international relations on learning, the focus on outcomes and the pandemic’s effect on the vision, hopes and dreams of new university learners.
Guest
Edward Xue is a second year student at Emory University.
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