Final answer:
It is true that students will retain more information from an online course if they have positive feelings towards the school, teacher, and classmates, as this creates a supportive and motivating learning environment conducive to engagement and retention.
Step-by-step explanation:
It is true that students tend to retain more information in an online course when they have a positive attitude towards the school, teacher, and classmates.
When learning through an online course, the emotional and psychological environment can significantly impact a student's capacity for retaining information. A positive feeling towards the educational setting, including having respect and appreciation for the teacher and a good rapport with classmates, contributes to an engaging and supportive learning atmosphere. Such an environment can enhance motivation, increase attention, and create a sense of community, all of which are pivotal for effective learning. Despite the physical separation in an online setting, students who like their school, teacher, and classmates are more likely to participate actively in discussions and group work, leading to better comprehension and retention of the material.
Additionally, a supportive educator can encourage students to make use of interactive resources such as web-based quizzes, apps, or study guides that promote active learning beyond passive content absorption. Conversely, a negative perception of the educational setting can lead to decreased motivation, less participation, and a higher chance of distraction, ultimately reducing the effectiveness of the learning experience.