ONLINE LEARNING AT UNIVERSITY OF GHANA: A BLESSING OR A CURSE
20 Μάιος, 2026 01:31 ΜΜ
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A New Era of Learning at Legon
The question of whether online learning is a blessing or a curse for students at University of Ghana has no simple answer. Learning, they say, happens everywhere on campus, in the lecture halls of JQB, in the quiet corners of the Balme Library, and even during late-night discussions in the halls. For decades, teaching and learning at Legon were largely defined by face-to-face interactions. Today, however, students experience a blend of both physical and virtual learning, balancing lecture hall seats with Zoom meetings and physical textbooks with PDF files.
The big question on every student’s mind is this: Has online learning made university life easier, or has it affected the quality of education and student engagement? The truth is, it is both a blessing and a challenge, depending on the situation.
The Convenience Students Cannot Ignore
Online learning comes with undeniable flexibility and convenience. Let’s be honest, when a lecture link appears on Sakai instead of a physical classroom venue, many students feel some level of relief.
Gone are the days when students had to wake up at dawn, especially those commuting long distances from places like Kasoa, battling traffic just to make it to a 7:30 a.m. lecture. Online classes reduce the stress of transportation, save time, and cut down commuting costs. In many cases, students are able to join lectures from the comfort of their hostels or homes while still keeping up academically.
Another major advantage is access to learning resources. Online learning platforms have transformed laptops and phones into portable study spaces. Unlike traditional lectures where missing one explanation could mean losing important information entirely, recorded lectures now allow students to revisit difficult concepts at their own pace. Combined with digital resources such as slides, PDFs, and online discussions, students can engage with course material more flexibly.
However, this does not mean physical textbooks have become irrelevant. For many courses, lecturers still require students to consult hard-copy textbooks from libraries or bookshops, making physical resources a complement rather than a replacement for digital learning materials.
The Challenge of Accessibility and Connectivity
Despite its advantages, online learning also comes with challenges, especially regarding internet accessibility and connectivity.
While the university has introduced support systems such as subsidized Telecel SIM cards and Wi-Fi access across traditional halls, libraries, schools, and colleges, not every student benefits equally. Students living off-campus may still struggle with unstable internet connections or the cost of purchasing data bundles for long online sessions.
At the same time, financial background alone does not determine academic success. Many students from modest backgrounds continue to excel academically through discipline, resilience, and effective time management. Still, unequal access to stable internet remains a challenge that affects the overall online learning experience for some students.
The Temptation to “Dwag” Lectures
Discipline has also become a major concern in the era of online learning. In a physical classroom, students are often more attentive because the environment naturally encourages focus and participation. Online classes, however, can blur the line between academics and leisure. It becomes easy to log into a lecture while simultaneously scrolling through social media, chatting with friends, or getting distracted by one’s surroundings.
The temptation to “dwag” lectures, even while technically present online, is very real for many students. Unlike the traditional classroom setting, where physical presence often demands engagement, online learning requires greater self-discipline and personal accountability.
Has Online Learning Changed Campus Life?
Some people argue that online learning has reduced the social interaction that traditionally comes with university education. While there is some truth to this, it would be inaccurate to say online learning has completely destroyed the university experience.
Since the University of Ghana continues to operate a blended system of both online and in-person lectures, students still interact physically with their peers through tutorials, group discussions, library sessions, and campus activities. The social aspect of university life has not disappeared entirely. Rather, online learning has simply changed the way students balance academic and social engagement.
So, Is It a Blessing or a Curse?
Perhaps online learning is neither entirely a blessing nor completely a curse. It is simply a tool, and like every tool, its effectiveness depends on how it is structured and used.
In the hands of a disciplined student with financial stability or reliable Wi-Fi connectivity and a good internet connection, it can be a powerful blessing. For others facing connectivity challenges or distractions at home, it may feel frustrating and limiting.
What is clear, however, is that online learning is now an important part of modern education and cannot be ignored. The University of Ghana has already taken steps to support students through subsidized data initiatives and campus Wi-Fi access, but there is still room for improvement, especially for students living off-campus. Better connectivity, improved online engagement strategies, and more interactive teaching methods could help make online learning more effective and inclusive for everyone.
Ultimately, online learning at Legon is not entirely a blessing or a curse. It is a reality that students and institutions must continue to adapt to, improve, and make the most of.
Written by: Jerome Avornyotse
Published by: Emmanuella Mensah