In October 2025, the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Johns Hopkins surveyed its membership about their preferences for in-person or online courses. The response rate of nearly 25% demonstrates that Osher at JHU members are interested in this issue and not shy in expressing their opinions.
(A group of Osher members attend an in-person class. The majority of Osher at JHU members prefer in-person classes which offer connection and interactions with fellow members and faculty.)
Osher at JHU News Editor, Millie Rogers, reviewed the results and said, “What most surprised me is how much our program has changed since Covid. Before Covid, there were no Zoom classes, and most of our JHU members joined, not only to take classes, but also to find fellowship with other people interested in lifelong learning. Many members have developed strong friendships.”
While that still remains true, Rogers observes that Zoom classes have allowed this nearly 40-year-old program to expand, reaching people who are not local. “Many of our remote members are skilled in navigating online learning programs including other Osher programs. Most have taken online courses with other organizations. They have done their homework and have come to Osher at JHU for particular classes or instructors. They stay because of the warm learning and inclusive environment created by members and instructors,” she said.
Zoom classes also allow members to take courses from instructors who are not Maryland-based. The quality of Osher at JHU’s faculty was cited as a big draw for the program, and attracting instructors nationwide helps maintain high standards. In Fall 2025, Osher at JHU has instructors teaching from as far away as California, New York, and even Oxford, England.
Rogers also notes that, “If given a choice to take the same class in person or on Zoom, nearly two-thirds of the survey respondents would choose an in-person class. The top reasons for taking an in-person class were the ability to see the instructor in person and to interact with class members. One member commented on the synergy of an in-person class,” she said. Among the survey responders, fully 40% said they would choose an in-person class over an online class, no matter what the topic.
In addition to connecting with instructors who are not local, the Osher at JHU members, who prefer online classes, like the convenience of participating from home and the flexibility to participate from any location. One member said because of mobility issues, online classes helped her to stay engaged in learning. Another cited that classes, not the social aspect of the program, was most important to her.
While Osher at JHU members enjoy both online and in-person classes and appreciate the opportunity to experience both, the number one reason for choosing a class was the course topic, rather than the online or in-person format. Survey respondents also noted a strong interest in hybrid classes which they see as the way of the future.
For now, both in-person and online course formats have their devotees among Osher at JHU members, with quality faculty and course topics especially important to lifelong learners served by the program.