The Effect of Online Classes on the Physical Health of Students

Abstract

In 2019, everything changed due to the COVID-19 virus. The education system drastically changed, and students and teachers were asked to do the learning and teaching process online. This study aims to determine the effect of online classes on the student's physical health. It uses the descriptive research method with college students who are members of the Missionary Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament (MSBS) as the respondents. A survey questionnaire explores the difference between online and face-to-face classes, their advantages and disadvantages, and their effects on students’ physical health. The study results reveal that online and face-to-face classes differ in student participation, contact hours, expenses, and workload. The study also shows that in face-to-face classes, discussion occurs in a restrictive environment of a physical classroom. In online classes, homework, research papers, labs, etc., are typically submitted to the instructor in person. Lastly, online classes, which requires students to stay in front of a computer for long hours, make students suffer from headache.